Prior to Tuesday’s match at Trinity, Independence’s volleyball team has allowed double-digit points in just three of nine sets played this season.
Trinity became the first team to score 20 points against the Blue Devils, who went on to sweep the Trojans 3-0.
“I heard over the weekend that they had some players,” Independence coach Tony Messina said. “We heard they pretty good so I told the girls we welcome the competition. We needed a little pushback so it was good.”
Independence won the first set 25-20 then dominated the second to win, 25-12.
The Trojans took an early 10-5 lead in the third set, which forced Messina to call a timeout to rally his players.
Independence went on to win that set 25-18, which closed out their fourth straight sweep.
“It was a competitive match and the girls played well,” Messina said. “(Trinity) served very aggressively–I was impressed with that–and they have some hitters. It was on their home court and they had a lot of fans. It was a great atmosphere for the kids but they responded. The first match was close and then we pulled away.”
Senior libero Maddy Bilinovic led the charge for the Blue Devils on the defensive end of the court and the rest of the squad stepped up as well.
“Maddy was off the charts with the balls she picks up but everybody did their job,” Messina said. “Everybody had a good day and played well.”
Independence improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division. Trinity dropped to 3-2, 1-1.
