Crestview’s Cali Gregory spikes the ball past Tiffin Calvert’s Camryn Shook (14) and Bryn Meyer during Saturday’s Division IV regional final at the Elida Fieldhouse.
Don Speck | The Lima News
ELIDA — Two teams entered the Elida Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon, only one would leave with a berth in next Friday night’s state semifinals.
Tiffin Calvert punched its ticket to Wright State for the first time since 2021 after defeating Crestview in straight sets 25-22, 25-20, 25-22.
The excitement was never at a low throughout the entire match. The opening set saw the first 24 points go back and forth with neither team pulling away by more than two. Play at the net was fierce, Tiffin Calvert seniors Caroline Lanicek, and Alli Porter battled with Crestview’s senior duo of Cali Gregory and Myia Etzler.
The Senecas were able to surpass Crestview midway into the first set, gaining their first lead at 13-12.
“We have great senior leaders, and they have taken care of our underclassmen since they walked in the door in August,” Tiffin Calvert head coach Lori Rombach said. “That’s what led to our success tonight, was our leaders.”
Calvert never looked back once it set sail in the set. A six-point rally helped push Crestview’s deficit to 20-14 before Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory called her squad to the bench for the second time. The Knights rattled off four consecutive points to draw within two before the run fell short. Tiffin Calvert took set one 25-22.
“We knew they would be very strong and are a great program. They have been here many times and know how to get to the next level.” coach Gregory said. “I told the girls it is always hard to lose but they were the better team today. They earned every point.”
The momentum the Senecas found in the opening set carried over into the second. Calvert sprinted out to a 4-1 advantage and continued to keep separation on the scoreboard.
Crestview struggled to find a way to build momentum early in the set as the length presented at the net by Calvert was something the Knights couldn’t combat.
“We weren’t getting stops at the net defensively, we had a lot of hustle plays but that took our offense out, and we couldn’t get into a set,” coach Gregory said. “I commend our girls tonight, they are fighters, and we have known that since day one, when you look at Tiffin Calvert, they are a whole team, but our girls never gave up.”
Trailing 17-9, Gregory used her second timeout of the set and was able to ignite the Knight attack. Crestview claimed 7 of the next 9 to creep back within three before Calvert used its first timeout, leading 19-16.
Calvert was able to weather the storm and hold off the Knights 25-20 and move one more set win away from the state tournament.
“All around we played well tonight. Our hitting percentage was high, and it felt like from my seat that we were in control today,” Rombach said. “The girls continued to chip away and trust their training; we work on practicing from behind a lot in practice and today it paid off.”
With their backs against the wall and season on the line the Knights began the third set scorching hot and on a mission. A 4-0 advantage to begin the set for Crestview led into a 10-5 lead before Calvert slowly reduced the deficit.
The Senecas fought back to bring the score level at 18 before taking the lead on the ensuing point. Calvert finished the set victorious 25-22.
“Our blockers were insane today, and we ask these girls to play positions that aren’t their normal positions, and we do that for a reason,” Rombach said. “We had to move around pieces today to counter Myia Etzler, who is likely an All-Ohio selection, and our girls were up to the task.”
Calvert will make its first trip to the state since 2020 and will square off against the winner of Buckeye Central and Canton Central Catholic at 6 p.m. Friday.
Nate Stidham wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
