KETTERING – The #5 Mississinawa Valley Lady Blackhawks volleyball team upset the #2 ranked Covington Lady Buccs in the OHSAA DVII district semi-final game in four sets to advance to the district finals.
Mississinawa Valley won a tough first set 25-22 but the Lady Buccs who finished their season 18-6 overall have played some big games this year and wasn’t about to roll over.
They roared back taking set two 25-14 but Mississinawa was able to make some adjustments going into the third set.
The Hawks got on a roll with good play behind the line serving and athletic ability to make plays to win the third set 25-19.
“We did a nice job serving and exploiting their holes on the floor to get back on track,” Mississinawa Coach Taylor Rawlings stated.
Covington would challenge in the fourth set, but Mississinawa was able to outwork the Buccs for a 25-23 set win and the match 3-1.
“We played as a team and with scrappiness that nothing hits the floor. We made them earn every point. Covington is a great team, we knew they were going to score their points, but we executed what we needed to do to get the win,” Rawlings said after the game.
“I’m so beyond proud of these girls. We scouted, prepared and executed our game plan. We played as a team and they did a fantastic job and they deserve it,” Rawlings added.
Mississinawa hustle, serving and adaptability during the course of the match were keys not only in this win … but the entire season allowing them to record their 20th win to just 4 losses.
They will advance to the district championship game at 1pm on Saturday October 25th at Fairborn High School against the winner of the Middletown Christian vs Cincinnati College Preparatory School being played on Thursday.
“Making it to the district final is a testament to the unwavering commitment of every player on this roster,” coach Rawlings concluded.
The last time the Lady Hawks played for a district title was in 1986 so coach Rawlings in her first season at Mississinawa Valley along with her team could make school history as they have never won a volleyball district championship.
