Girls volleyball: Buckeye comes up short in CWC matchup against Normandy

YORK TWP. — From top to bottom, there isn't a more balanced volleyball league in Northeast Ohio than the Cleveland West Conference.The latest example of its competitiveness played out Thursday.Senior middle hitter Anais Valentin-Rivera blasted 18 kills and her twin Ariana had 12 kills and six blocks as Normandy beat Buckeye 25-18, 12-25, 25-23, 26-24.The Bucks (5-14, 4-10) and Invaders (8-14, 5-9) split their season series, both winning on the other's home court."Normandy is always tough and we fought the entire way, but they were just a little bit better this time," Buckeye senior libero Haiden Morrison said. "The last two sets were really close and could have gone either way."Senior middle hitter Abi Kirlough powered the Bucks with 13 kills, seven blocks, two aces and a lone unforced error, while Morrison played her standard terrific match with 27 digs, two aces and two assists.The 6-foot Kirlough is having the best season of her career and has taken her attacking to another level since top outside hitter Erin Salazar went down with a back injury on Sept 30 against Bay. She has 44 kills over the last four matches."A lot of times, the middle gets overlooked on teams, so it makes you feel great to be counted on," Kirlough said. "Even though our record isn't what we would like it to be, it's been such a fun season with this group. It's a joy to be around these girls every day."Kirlough's chemistry with setters Nico Anzevino and Aurora Allen has been critical to keeping the club moving in the right direction, as has the calming presence of Morrison in the back row.Senior Anzevino chipped in 10 assists and seven aces, single-handedly winning the second set by ending it with 10 straight service points and four of her aces. Junior Allen collected 21 assists, 12 digs, three blocks and three aces."Aurora and I worked really well together last year, and this year Nico and I have really clicked," three-year starter Kirlough said. "And we know the passes are going to be there every time from Haiden."Buckeye also has relied on the skills and high volleyball IQ of Emma Bostic, who had nine kills. Fellow senior outside hitter Cammy Shamp added seven kills and sophomore Ava Wolf had six kills and a pair of rejections.The Invaders, who avenged a three-set defeat to the Bucks on Sept. 16, swung momentum their way in the third when sophomore Maddie Kirk served the last eight points to erase a 23-17 deficit.Normandy setter Taylor Shaw shined throughout with 32 assists in the first half of a volleyball/football doubleheader at Buckeye."Everyone still has a positive mindset," Morrison said. "Maintaining high energy and being more consistent is something we're trying to teach all the younger players (six combined freshmen and sophomores) to take into next season."The Bucks, who had won back-to-back CWC contests over Westlake and Valley Forge, now have a full week to prepare for their tournament opener.Buckeye takes on Uniontown Lake at Aurora on Oct. 16, and could have freshman Salazar medically cleared to play. Junior outside hitter Katie Csach is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery."I'm confident in our bench to fill in the gaps, but having Erin back would be big," Bucks coach Erica Repas said. "She's been very important to our offense from the first match."Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow @BrianDulik on X.