Chardon and Berkshire's boys volleyball teams traveled to Independence High School on May 17 for a chance to compete for the regional title — and in a close match, the Hilltoppers defeated the Badgers 3-1 to advance.
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Chardon and Berkshire’s boys volleyball teams traveled to Independence High School on May 17 for a chance to compete for the regional title — and in a close match, the Hilltoppers defeated the Badgers 3-1 to advance.
Having faced Berkshire twice earlier in the season, Chardon players knew it would not be an easy feat to defeat the Badgers.
“We played them twice before this season: lost the first match, won the second,” said Joseph Evans. “We knew it was going to be a good game.”
The Hilltoppers and Badgers first met this season March 16 in Chardon, as Evans mentioned, and Berkshire prevailed, 3-1. The Badgers won the first set, 28-26, lost the second set, then went on to win the next two sets, 31-29 and 25-19.
They next faced off April 28. Similar to their first contest, the match was very close and went five sets. The teams split the first two games, then split the next two. But in the end, the Hilltoppers won the fifth set to claim the match for Chardon.
Based on the first two match-ups, expectations were for an extremely close match in the regional semifinal.
On May 17, Berkshire won the first game, 25-17, but the Hilltoppers won the next three sets, 25-17, 25-23 and 29-27.
Leading the Toppers offensively were Joseph Evans and Nolan Kirsh. The two had led their team all season in important offensive categories such as kills, aces, and aces per set.
For the season, Kirsh leads the Hilltoppers with 145 kills, while Evans had 144, going into the regional title game.
In the regional semifinals match, Evans had 23 kills and Kirsh had 13 kills. Also contributing to the Hilltoppers offense with kills were Ian Galati (4), Noah Galati (3) and Juan Panella (4).
Chardon saw excellent defensive performances from their back and front rows. Leading the Hilltoppers at the net defensively was Noah Galati (17 blocks).
Also contributing blocks defensively for the Hilltoppers were Ian Galati (4), Jackson (3), Evans (1) and Panella (1).
The back row also did very well.
“We did a lot better on digging,” Evans said. “They have a really good hitter, number nine, Apollo — he’s really good. Every time we’ve played them, (he’s been their best player).
“I think we got a lot better with (digging against Apollo).”
Added Ian Galati, “Our back row was amazing, great passing, great setting by Juan. Just an amazing night.”
Berkshire ended its season with a 15-9 record. The Badgers were 9-3 on their home court, 6-6 away.
