With a 3-0 win over visiting Wickliffe on Thursday, Grand Valley clinched at least a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title.
“Clinching the share of the title with the possibility of winning the title is very exciting for the program and for the school,” Grand Valley coach Anna Applebee said. “Moving into the CVC this year, we played an incredibly tough schedule when compared to previous years in the (Northeastern Athletic Conference) and I believe the competition has brought out the best in this team and in these players. I love watching these girls play the game and to see them not only having success but seeing them individually believe that they can be successful is priceless as a coach. It is a great start for the school and the program in the CVC.”
Grand Valley won the match 25-11, 25-23, 25-21.
Barbara Jackson led the Mustangs with 15 kills, Rylie Pucel posted a team-high 14 assists and six aces and also contributed with five kills and Alexis Cooper pitched in with 11 assists. Madison Roskos finished with two aces and Carly Bogdan added a kill and an ace for the Mustangs, who improved to 15-4 overall and 8-1 in league play.
The Mustangs have winning streaks of nine and four matches this season and have brought the same energy and intensity to every match this fall.
“This season we have really made an effort to play with consistency in every set and overall I believe we have done well in this aspect,” Applebee said. “Great players help but the team as a whole has great chemistry and they work together well. Each member is important and they all come together and make great things happen in those key moments during tight matches. Our mental toughness has been a huge factor this year; I don’t think we had the same toughness last year and it showed. I am really proud of all of these girls and the work, dedication, and heart they put into this season. It’s been a great season and more is yet to come.”
Grand Valley can win the league title outright with a victory over Cardinal on Oct. 8 or a Kirtland loss.
“The last league game against Cardinal is huge,” Applebee said. “Obviously, we want the title to ourselves and we are going to show up ready to fight for it. Cardinal is a solid team and not to be taken lightly, but our girls have the mental focus and skills they need to win the game. We approach each game like we approach each set–one point at a time.”
