Photo by Nick Henthorn Ferry’s Gianna Chirpas sends the ball over the net during the Purple Riders’ OVAC 3A Conference Tournament semifinal game against the second-place Union Local Jets.
MORRISTOWN — With nine games played Tuesday to open the 2023 OVAC Tournament, No. 3 Martins Ferry continues its strong run against the host No. 2 Union Local Jets, finishing 8- They started the first set with a 4 lead.
But the Jets burned fuel and overcame a rough early start to win the set 25-19 and never let the Purple Riders get that close again, dominating Ferry 25-19, 25-11, 25-16. and won the set. 3A conference tournament.
“They played well.” Union Local head coach Kay Secrest said. “We started slow, but they came charging hard and we fell behind. I think sometimes we like to play from behind. They came out strong and we survived. So in a way we swallowed it and from that point on we controlled it.”
The Jets and Purple Riders exchanged some impactful plays early on in the game, with high-speed kills and emphatic blocks from both sides showing off the high spirits of the tournament as Ferry took the lead in the early offense and defense. .
Union Local grabbed the momentum and took the lead, increasing it to 14-11, but the pendulum swung again to Ferry, who scored four straight points to flip the set in his favor at 15-14.
Union Local called a timeout and the Jets came out of the huddle and outscored the Riders 7-1 on their next eight volleys en route to a 25-19 set victory.
“I think we’re off to a great start.” Martins Ferry head coach Jaela Koller said. “But we have some work to do. Once we move on, we have to learn how to finish.”
The hosts led wire-to-wire in the second set and won the final eight points of the set to win 25-11.
Martins Ferry held on to a slim advantage early in a crucial third set, taking a 5-4 lead. Quick 3-point shooting gave the Jets a 7-5 advantage, and the momentum stayed with Union Local, building a 15-9 advantage.
Tegan Day got a kill from the outside for match point at 25-16.
“It was a team effort.” Secrest said. “It helps that the service is good. Good blocking, good net play. Julie is a back row libero and gets close to the ball a lot. Tonight it was just everyone.”
Secrest said he is looking forward to the Jets’ next game at 9 a.m. against the No. 1-ranked Shenandoah Zeps. Zeps also dominated his semifinal opponent on Tuesday.
For Union Local, Ella Pietranton had a team-high nine kills and two blocks, and Laken Vinskovic had eight kills and two blocks. Alaina Logan had 20 assists, Delaney Butler had 15 assists and 10 digs, and Jules Broussard had 16 assists. dig.
For Martins Ferry, SJ Kohler had 25 kills, Gianna Chirpas had six kills and four blocks, Sydney Kohler had seven kills and 13 digs, Lindsey Best had five kills and nine digs and Maddie Lucas had 13 assists. did.
In the Class 5A tournament, No. 4 John Marshall lost to No. 1 Morgantown 3-0, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19.
