Another season, another conference championship for the Independence Volleyball team.
The Blue Devils secured at least a share of their 14th consecutive conference championship on Thursday with a 3-0 sweep of Beachwood Volleyball, winning by scores of 25-22, 25-22, and 25-21.
Independence improved to 16-7 overall and finished its Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division schedule at 13-1, putting itself in position to claim the championship outright.
Fairview, which entered the final stretch at 10-1 in conference play, must win its remaining three league matches to force a tie atop the standings. Any Fairview loss would leave Independence as the outright champion.
For the Blue Devils, the championship adds another chapter to a remarkable run of sustained success. Independence has now captured 14 consecutive conference championships in seasons when titles were awarded. No conference championship was awarded during the COVID-19 season in 2020.
“It’s a tradition that means a great deal to the players who continue to carry it forward,” said senior Peyton Bechlem.
“It means a lot to win at least a share of the Metro Division title because we have all worked so hard this season to get to this point. We obviously want to win it outright, but being able to celebrate what we have accomplished as a team is really nice.”
The championship streak reflects the program’s consistency across multiple generations of players, and this year’s team was determined to maintain that standard.
“Keeping the conference title streak alive means a lot to us because it shows how much hard work and dedication this program has put in over the years,” Bechlem said. “We want to keep that tradition going and continue to make our program something to be proud of.”
Balanced attack powers Blue Devils
Although Independence completed the sweep in three sets, Beachwood made the Blue Devils earn every point.
All three sets were decided by four points or fewer, but Independence consistently delivered in the closing stages to prevent the Bison from extending the match.
Mia Mudra led the offensive attack with 14 kills and added 11 digs and an ace.
Emily Slusher contributed 13 kills, nine digs, and four aces, while Violet Jacob added nine kills.
The Blue Devils also received four kills from Chloe Johnson, three from Zara Toth, and one from Alexis Behm.
That offensive balance was supported by strong distribution from the team’s setters.
Julia Jurkiewicz recorded 20 assists, two digs, and an ace, while Hailey Pflug added 18 assists and three digs.
Bechlem anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 20 digs, three assists, and two aces. Genna Gallucci also contributed a dig.
With so many players involved, Independence was able to maintain its offensive pressure while limiting Beachwood’s opportunities to establish momentum.
“The key was staying focused and working together as a team,” Bechlem said. “Everyone contributed in different ways, and we kept the energy up throughout the match. We communicated well and played aggressively.”
The victory completed a season sweep of the Bison, who fell to 12-5 overall and 7-4 in conference play. Independence also defeated Beachwood in three sets on Sept. 22.
Challenging schedule prepares Independence for postseason
While the Blue Devils have dominated conference competition, their nonconference schedule has presented several significant challenges.
Independence faced strong programs including Lake Catholic, Elyria Catholic, Amherst Steele, and GlenOak throughout the regular season.
The Blue Devils also split a pair of five-set conference matches with Fairview, defeating the Warriors in their season opener on Aug. 25 before falling in the rematch on Oct. 6.
Those experiences have tested Independence’s ability to respond to pressure, adjust during difficult matches, and compete against quality opponents.
Bechlem believes those challenges will prove valuable as the Blue Devils enter tournament play.
“We have faced good competition throughout the season,” Bechlem said. “Those matches have taught us how to handle pressure, make adjustments, and stay composed in difficult situations. I think that experience will help us going into the postseason.”
Independence has won four straight matches entering its regular-season finale against Green on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m.
The Blue Devils will then open postseason play at home against Brooklyn Volleyball on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m.
With another conference championship secured and a challenging regular season behind them, the Blue Devils now turn their attention toward extending their success into the postseason.
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INDEPENDENCE BLUE DEVILS Volleyball
2026-2027 Independence Blue Devils Volleyball Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Result | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 25, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-2 | 6:30 PM | Independence High School | |
| Aug. 29, 2026 Saturday | vs  Vermilion | L 0-2 | 10:15 AM | Vermilion |
| Aug. 29, 2026 Saturday | vs GGlenOak | L 0-2 | 12:45 PM | Independence |
| Aug. 29, 2026 Saturday | @ NNorwalk | L 1-2 | 2:00 PM | Independence |
| Sep. 1, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Brooklyn | |
| Sep. 3, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | TBA | Independence Watch | |
| Sep. 3, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence | |
| Sep. 8, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Richmond Heights High School Watch | |
| Sep. 10, 2026 Thursday | TBA | Independence | ||
| Sep. 15, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence Watch | |
| Sep. 16, 2026 Wed | W 3-0 | 16:30 PM | Brooklyn | |
| Sep. 17, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Trinity Watch | |
| Sep. 22, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence Watch | |
| Sep. 23, 2026 Wednesday | L 0-3 | 6:30 PM | Independence Watch | |
| Sep. 24, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence Watch | |
| Sep. 26, 2026 Saturday | L 1-3 | 11:00 AM | Independence | |
| Sep. 29, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | TBA | Fairport Watch | |
| Sep. 29, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Warren Harding | |
| Oct. 1, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence High School Watch | |
| Oct. 6, 2026 Tuesday | L 2-3 | 6:30 PM | Fairview | |
| Oct. 8, 2026 Thursday | W 3-1 | 6:30 PM | Cuyahoga Heights Watch | |
| Oct. 10, 2026 Saturday | L 0-3 | 11:00 AM | Lake Catholic High School | |
| Oct. 13, 2026 Tuesday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Independence | |
| Oct. 14, 2026 Wednesday | @  Bedford | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Bedford |
| Oct. 15, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 6:30 PM | Beachwood Watch | |
| Oct. 17, 2026 Saturday | vs  Green | W 3-1 | 11:00 AM | Independence Watch |
| Oct. 22, 2026 Thursday | W 3-0 | 7:00 PM | Independence | |
| Oct. 26, 2026 Monday | @  United | W 3-1 | 5:00 PM | Mineral Ridge |
| Oct. 28, 2026 Wednesday | W 3-0 | 7:00 PM | Berkshire | |
| Nov. 5, 2026 Thursday | L 0-3 | 6:00 PM | Uniontown Lake Watch |
Fairview Warriors
Brooklyn Hurricanes
Fairport Skippers
Warren Harding
Richmond Heights Spartans
Cuyahoga Heights Red Wolves
Trinity Trojans
Beachwood Bison
Elyria Catholic
Amherst Steele
Lake Catholic Cougars
Mineral Ridge
Dalton Bulldogs
