In a match that lasted just about one hour, the state-ranked Miami Trace Lady Panthers volleyball team eliminated Hillsboro in a Division II sectional tournament semifinal game Wednesday in three straight sets.
It was the third win of the season for Miami Trace over Hillsboro, the other two coming in Frontier Athletic Conference play.
Miami Trace, ranked tied for No. 18 in the state in Division II in the coaches poll, improved to 17-1 on the season. Their only loss thus far came recently to Zane Trace.
Scores of Wednesday’s match were: 25-8, 25-11 and 25-15.
Miami Trace will host the winner of the match between Jackson and Fairfield Union on Saturday at 1 p.m. for a sectional championship.
Miami Trace volleyball has won three sectional titles in school history: 1980, 1995 and 1997.
“We had already played Hillsboro twice this season during league play,” Miami Trace coach Doug Mace said. “I think they were probably a little disappointed when they drew us. Hopefully, our kids are in tournament mode. Hopefully, we’re focused and taking care of the task at hand. We’ve tried to make our practices a little more challenging, push the kids a little more and try to keep our focus a little better.
“Hopefully, we’ll get to play a few more games.”
Statistically for Miami Trace, Gracey Ferguson had six ace serves, Olivia Fliehman had four aces and Chloe Scott had four aces. Fliehman had 12 kills and Laura Robinson had eight kills.
In other Division II sectional volleyball matches Wednesday, Washington lost to Unioto, 3-0; Circleville beat River Valley, 3-0; Gallia Academy defeated Athens, 3-0; and Sheridan, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, beat Warren, 3-0.
Chris Hoppes in sports editor for the Record-Herald in Washington C.H.
