INDEPENDENCE—Seniors Ashley Thompson, Emily Magas, Hallie Zumack and Mallory Trombetta were honored before the start of Thursday’s Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division showdown between the Independence Blue Devils and visiting Geneva Eagles.
The four then went out and led Independence to a 25-15, 25-14, 25-8 sweep, putting the finishing touches on a third straight undefeated league championship.
“It feels great,” said Independence head coach Megan Osysko about her team’s three-peat. “It’s just the work that the girls put in. I’m just there hanging out and giving them as much knowledge as I can. They’re the ones on the court putting in the work and executing what I tell them to do.”
Independence improved to 17-5 on the year and 14-0 in league play.
Led by Magas, Thompson, Trombetta and Zumack over the past three seasons, the Blue Devils have won 102 of 106 sets played in compiling a 34-0 league record.
“They’ve been a special group,” Osysko said. “I’ve been with them for three years. They’re a very talented group and they definitely brought the program to a level that I have expected it to become and they really set the tone for what future years should work up towards. I’m happy about that but we still have a lot more to go so I’m not going to say goodbye to them yet.”
Magas and Zumack tied junior Maura Collins for a team-high six kills against Geneva and Zumack led the team with 19 assists. Collins posted team highs in digs (18) and aces (6). Sophomore Hannah Walker posted a team-high four blocks.
Independence opens post-season play on Tuesday against Warrensville Heights at Elyria High School at 6:00 p.m. The Blue Devils have won the last two Elyria Division III District Tournament titles.
- Photo Gallery
- Video Interview: Independence Seniors
- Video: Independence Seniors Honored
- Video Replay (available free on Sunday)
