PEAK OF THE HARVEST
volleyball
1: (1) Gilmour (6-1)
2: (2) Lake Catholic (5-1)
3: (3) Kenston (3-0)
4: (4) Mentors (4-2)
5: (5) NDCL (3-2)
6: (6) Beaumont (4-2)
7: (7) South (6-1)
8: (8) Riverside (1-2)
9: (NR) Berkshire (4-0)
10: (NR) West Geauga (4-2)
Eliminated: Hawken (0-2), Chardon (1-4)
Watched list: Chardon, Hawken, Cornerstone (4-0), Fairport (3-1), Kirtland (3-2), Mayfield (2-1)
Game comments: Gilmour and Lake Catholic had dominant performances at the Columbus Invitational. Both won 3-1 and remain among the top contenders in their respective divisions. The Lancers’ strength is their overall depth, while the Cougars have an experienced back line that allows the front line to develop. They have a matchup ahead of them, possibly at the Lancer Invitational (Sept. 7) and at Gilmour (Sept. 12). … Mentor also won 3-1 in Columbus, with the setters slowly becoming comfortable in their new roles while the Cardinals adjust to being 6-2 instead of 5-1. They began GCC play with a sweep of Shaker Heights and will aim for similar results against Cleveland Heights and Euclid before two big road games against Magnificat (Sept. 4) and Kenston (Sept. 5). … NDCL rode the wave of freshman Frankie Brkic’s 14 kills to defeat North Coast opponent Beaumont and respond to back-to-back losses to Kenston and Gilmour. Coach Tom Ray is pleased with the team’s response, with a trip to Padua (Aug. 29) next. … Beaumont has its non-conference schedule under control, losing just two sets, but has yet to win a set in conference. Coach Mandy Barney said the conference is helping them prepare for the postseason push the Blue Streaks want to make. … South has dominated its non-conference schedule, losing just one game to Brecksville. The Rebels have the next week off before their final non-conference game before WRC play begins Sept. 10 at Mayfield. … Riverside picked up its first win when it held off a five-set comeback attempt by Perry. One of the biggest tests of the season comes Aug. 29 when the Beavers travel to Magnificat. … Berkshire has started the season off brightly, dropping just one set in its first four matches. The Badgers are showing strong skill in the front row with young hitters and experienced players in the back row. … West Geauga got off to a slow start this season but continues to show improvement, especially in the front row. The Wolverines’ size allows them to cause problems on the block for all of their opponents.
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