Kirtland’s young volleyball team has come a long way over the past month and a half.
After Thursday’s 3-0 win over Richmond Heights, the Hornets improved to 10-7 overall, 8-4 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division and have won three straight matches heading into the final week of the regular season.
“We have a lot of young players, even freshmen, stepping up to fill some pretty big shoes,” said senior Emily Nerderman. “These young players are very energetic and the team builds off of that energy. As we move into playoffs, that energy and momentum will be crucial to succeed.”
Kirtland won the first set, 25-15, then cruised to a 25-8 win in the second. The Hornets finished off the Spartans, 25-19.
Nerderman led the team with 16 assists and also contributed with 10 service points. Anna Shuppe added six kills, six service points and three aces. Elise Frazee dug eight balls and Kara Aquila led the team with 12 service points with three aces.
“It was a good match for Kirtland,” said Kirtland coach Bob Schenosky. “Richmond Heights played us tough, especially with their tall middles. We also got a great effort from our underclassmen tonight. We are building at the right time for the playoffs.”
Kirtland travels to Fairport on Monday then the Hornets step out of conference for a match against Riverside on Tuesday. They close out the regular season on Thursday at home against Berkshire.
“As the season comes to an end, I wish I could stick around because the program is only continuing to grow and improve,” Nerderman said.
