Kirtland played well as a team to defeat host Wickliffe in a Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division match on Tuesday, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21.
“The girls are playing better together each match,” said Kirtland coach Bob Schenosky. “Our transition and defense continue to improve, which has been key to the recent wins. I thought this was our best effort this season against a solid Wickliffe team.”
Kathrine Skrbis, who missed several early season games with an injury, led the Hornets with 16 kills and also contributed with eight digs and a pair of aces.
“We have actually been working on building our confidence as a team because when we play confidentially, our kill rates are significantly higher,” Skrbis said. “I’m very glad to be back on the court and I think that we feel more united when we all get the opportunity to play as one. We implemented a couple new plays tonight in anticipation of the block and my approach when I get on the court is to hit the ball down and have fun.”
Lilly Kelemen and Stella DeJohn combined for 15 kills and Laura Koschik added six.
Nicole Aveni led the Hornets with 18 digs.
“I felt like I was able to read the hitter’s shoulders well and I stayed on my toes the entire time,” Aveni said. “This allowed me to move continuously throughout the entirety of the game. A game like this definitely boosts my confidence and motivation. It makes me believe that my team and I have the talent to compete with any team in our conference.”
Nina DiCicco posted a team-high 15 digs for Wickliffe. Abby Baumgartner pitched in with six kills for the Blue Devils.
Kirtland hosts Cardinal while Wickliffe travels to Cuyahoga Heights on Thursday.
