MONROE — Arcanum captured its second consecutive district volleyball championship Saturday, sweeping Miami Valley Christian Academy to earn a return trip to the regional tournament.
The second-seeded Trojans defeated the third-seeded Lady Lions 25-19, 25-19, 25-20 in the Division V Southwest District final at Monroe High School. Arcanum advances to face Madeira in Thursday’s regional semifinal.
Sophomores Harper Smith and Harlow Etherington helped the Trojans finish strong after Miami Valley Christian challenged them throughout the match.
“I’m so proud of my girls. That’s all I can say,” Arcanum coach Jacie Holman said. “I didn’t know if we would be here this year. I’m so proud of them.”
Arcanum controlled much of the opening set, building a 20-12 advantage before the Lions cut the deficit in half. Etherington stopped the rally with a kill, and the Trojans finished off a 25-19 victory.
Holman said nerves affected her young team, particularly early in the match.
“That first set, it was a lot of nerves,” she said. “Today was just a lot of nerves for the girls. With them being underclassmen, it does make an impact.”
Arcanum opened the second set with a 5-1 lead before two key aces helped the Lions move ahead 9-5, prompting an Arcanum timeout.
Holman urged the Trojans to concentrate on their own execution.
“We have to control what’s on our side,” she said. “We knew they were going to give us big swings, but I didn’t feel like we were playing our game.”
Arcanum battled back, tying the score four times before Smith’s tip gave the Trojans a 19-18 lead. Another Arcanum point forced an MVCA timeout, and Smith added key kills as the Trojans pulled away for another 25-19 win.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Arcanum built a 16-10 lead, but Bell delivered two more aces during a serving run that brought the Lions within 16-14.
MVCA continued to challenge, eventually drawing even at 19.
The Trojans answered with a decisive 6-1 closing run. Etherington’s kill put Arcanum ahead 21-19, and Smith delivered consecutive kills to turn a 22-20 advantage into match point. Etherington sealed the championship with an ace.
Holman praised Smith’s response after an uneven start, noting her ability to make an impact when attacking confidently.
Despite the sweep, Holman saw room for improvement as the Trojans prepare for Madeira. She said Arcanum has watched its next opponent and understands the adjustments ahead.
Her message remains focused on getting the Trojans to play their own game.
“I think we’ll be just fine,” Holman said.
