GALION — The Galion volleyball squad was on the wrong end of a sweep on Tuesday night against fellow Mid Ohio Athletic Conference member River Valley.
The Vikings (18-4, 12-2 MOAC) were good at putting the ball in places that made it difficult for the Tigers to get a good hit on the ball much of the night, Galion head coach Kathleen Davis said.
“I would have to say they have quick middles (hitters). They’re really fast. Sometimes we just can’t compete. Particularly, we weren’t timing up as we should have,” Davis said.
River Valley opened the match winning the first set by a 25-22 score. Galion led 5-2 early and was able to hold a 17-14 edge close to midway through. River Valley rallied quickly and took a 20-19 lead which they would not relinquish.
The second set was all Vikings by a score of 25-12. River Valley quickly built a 12-6 advantage and pulled away for the victory.
With Galion down 2-0 in the match, it provided a learning opportunity, Davis noted.
“It puts pressure on them, but at the same time it’s good for them to have that pressure to fight through and step up to the plate,” Davis said.
River Valley was able to close out the sweep by a score of 25-22 in the third set. This was a competitive set that was 9-all and then 16-13 in favor of the Vikings. Galion was able to fight back and tie the set at 21-apiece. The Vikings closed it out with a Galion hit into the net.
Galion (14-6, 10-4 MOAC) suffered its second loss to River Valley this season. There are some things that Davis wants to improve on before tournament time begins next week.
“Our blocking definitely has to improve a lot more. We’re just really slow at the net. We have to get faster foot work and faster movement. We’re going to work on our speed the next few days,” Davis explained.
Galion finished third in the MOAC regular season standings behind conference champion Highland (18-4, 14-0 MOAC) and River Valley.
Upcoming schedule
The Tigers will wrap up the regular season with a home match against Buckeye Central (19-1, 13-0 Northern 10 Athletic Conference), the No. 4 ranked team in Division IV, on Saturday morning.
Galion, the No. 5 seed in the Division II Seneca East Sectional/District tournament, opens postseason play with a home match against No. 11 seed Clear Fork on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Match time is 5 p.m.
The Tigers swept Clear Fork in both matches the two teams played during the regular season.
