Independence maintained control of the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division with a 3-0 win at Orange on Tuesday.
The Blue Devils won 25-11, 25-10, 25-9.
“Tonight, our mentality was to get out there and take care of business,” said Independence junior libero Maddy Bilinovic. “We have a big weekend coming up and it’s important for us that we don’t take any plays off. Here and there our focus will sway, but we do a great job of holding ourselves accountable and giving it our 100-percent every time we are on that court.”
Independence improved to 6-0 on the year.
The Blue Devils replaced just one senior from the team that advanced to the Division III state Final Four last fall.
“I think the chemistry of this team is going to take us very far,” Bilinovic said. “We all have each other’s backs and want nothing more than to succeed. We believe in each other and I think that’s the most important part. If someone is having an off day, there are 11 other girls that will pick that person up. We are excited to move forward into our season and more than ready to get out there and compete.”
Junior Sofia Garcia Olla recorded seven blocks and four kills for Orange while seniors Caila Gissentainer and senior Haley Shedden each posted three blocks. Shedden also turned in 30 assists. Senior Katie Hoover pitched in with five kills and sophomore Kylee Owens finished with three.
“The team played with integrity,” said Orange coach Jen Gold. “They never gave up their fight throughout the three sets. They had the best blocking game we have seen all season. Although their effort didn’t reflect in the scoreboard, we are proud of the girls for playing with relentless effort. We will continue to work hard in practice to improve our program.”
