Twinsburg volleyball earns share of Suburban League title
It was okay for the Twinsburg volleyball team to be greedy and want the Suburban League National Division championship all to themselves.
After such a monumental regular season this fall, the Tiger program wanted it all.
A few things would have had to happen for Twinsburg to gain an outright league title, but visiting Wadsworth had something to say about that in a tight 3-2 win.
Wadsworth rallied for a 20-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 15-13 victory over Twinsburg, earning a share of the Suburban League National crown.
In the final and deciding set, there were plenty of lead changes and ties, but there lead changes and ties throughout the battle.
Four teams finished with the same 9-3 record as Wadsworth joined the group a top the National Division standings.
It was a stinging loss for Twinsburg, fifth-year head coach Jessica Rader, and the Tiger seniors in a great season of action, but Wadsworth denied the Tigers an outright league championship.
Hudson and Brecksville also won their matches on Oct. 13 to force an incredible four-way tie at 9-3 for the SL National crown.
Twinsburg played well against the Grizzlies, who came up short of a title last year.
Having its best start in Twinsburg history this fall, the Tigers also had Rader recently capture her 50th career victory at Twinsburg.
The Grizzlies (14-8) have some veterans and young talent as well as the Tigers. They were led by hard-hitting freshman Lauren Decker, plus Rachel Dunkle and Ellie Zuro while libero Kenzie Brandenburg excelled along with Aly Snyder, Mya Garcia and Olivia Beldean.
It’s impressive to see that inspiring Twinsburg vaulted beyond its sixth-place league showing in 2021 and a 10-14 record last fall.
Twinsburg is now 18-4 in one of the greatest regular seasons in school history and now look toward the post season for even more opportunities.
Several of Twinsburg’s leaders have played well in recent action and excelled against Wadsworth.
Senior Hailey Williams, along with junior standouts Genevieve Talentino, Brooke Smith and Julia Rodic, plus battle-tested senior Kendall Matlock and junior Claire Grosel have been big contributors this fall along with a strong freshman in Taylor Pucky.
Kelsey Williams is another impact freshman while experienced junior Emmersyn Muth and sophomore Jordyn Fears also have helped this fall. Rader’s staff includes James Dianetti (junior varsity team) and Ashley Plassard (freshmen).
Earning the fifth seed and receiving a first-round bye at the Solon Division I sectional-district, Twinsburg is hoping on a fast start.
The Tigers start out at the comforts of home and will play Saturday at 3 p.m. in a sectional championship battle.
Twinsburg will face the Oct. 18 first round winner between 19th-seed Massillon and Akron Ellet, the 22nd seed overall.
Massillon, 11-11 this season, is led by versatile Kendyl Wagner, who has earned All Stark County and Federal League honors, plus Allie Vignos, Ava Geier, Liz Menches, and Reiley McElfresh.
Pacing Ellet (9-8) is Anna Trowbridge, who was the City Series Player of the Year last season. Kaitlynn Wright also was a first-team All-City player this year while Olivia Phillips was a second team pick.
The district semifinal contest is set for Solon High on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The winners advancing to the Dec. 27 district championship at 7 p.m. in Solon.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Twinsburg volleyball shares Suburban League title
