CHAGRIN FALLS—Berkshire avenged an early-season loss and is now tied for first place in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division with a 3-1 win at Chagrin Falls on Tuesday.
After dropping a tight first set, 25-23, the Badgers roared back to take the next three, 25-21, 25-13, 25-22, pulling even with the Tigers atop the league standings. Both teams now sit at 8-1 in conference play heading into Thursday’s regular-season finales.
The Badgers (18-2, 8-1 CVC Valley) leaned on a balanced attack and strong serving to turn the match around after the first set. Marissa Rish stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, eight aces, 10 kills, three blocks, 19 assists, and nine digs. Ava Chuha contributed 12 points, four aces, 14 assists, and six digs, while Jill Smetana hammered down 15 kills and added seven points, two aces, and three digs.
Kate Miller added 11 kills and 15 digs, and Maddie Bower chipped in with nine points, two aces, and nine digs for Berkshire, which overcame Chagrin’s early momentum with consistent pressure from the service line and at the net.
Chagrin Falls (15-4, 8-1) was led by Gigi Calabrese, who finished with 11 kills. The Tigers had defeated Berkshire in five sets back on Sept. 18, but couldn’t replicate that success in the rematch.
Both teams will wrap up league play on Thursday, with Berkshire hosting Crestwood and Chagrin Falls traveling to Wickliffe. The results will finalize what’s already been one of the most competitive title races in the Valley Division in recent years.
