LEAVITTSBURG—Kirtland’s playoff run ended on Monday with a 3-0 loss to Newton Falls in the Division III district semifinals at LaBrae.
The top-seeded Tigers beat the fifth-seeded Hornets, 25-12, 25-17, 25-20.
“It was a bittersweet end to the season,” said Kirtland coach Bob Schenosky. “It’s great to go three matches in the playoffs, but it’s always tough to lose, especially for the seniors.”
Kirtland, which closed out the 2015 season with a 15-10 record, beat Conneaut, 3-0, in a sectional semifinal then knocked off Grand Valley, 3-2, to win the sectional title.
Their run came to an end against the undefeated Tigers.
“They played hard against a good team,” Schenosky said. “I’m proud of each and every one of them. It’s been a great run.”
Seniors Sam Bailey and Olivia Mancisio led the Hornets with seven kills each. Bailey also recorded four blocks and Mancisio had three. Jackie Clark added seven digs.
