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STEUBENVILLE – The Toronto volleyball team got its revenge against Jefferson County rival Steubenville.
Big Red won the first matchup in four sets on the road, however, the Red Knights were able to turn the tables in the second meeting between the two teams this season.
Toronto converted down the stretch to win the first two sets before pulling away in the third en route to sweeping Big Red, 25-22, 25-20, 25-11, Tuesday night inside the Crimson Center.
“The girls came out ready to go,” Toronto (11-2) head coach Shannon Bahen said. “This was a game our girls wanted. This was a game our girls wanted back since that previous loss. We started hot in every phase of the game. It was nice not getting off to a slow start.”
Big Red was unable to keep the momentum going once they got it on their side.
“Toronto came in prepared, and we came in prepared,” Big Red (8-5) head coach Logan Colabella said. “We just could not keep the momentum on our side. We had it in spurts in the third set. We just had a hard time getting back up.”
Individually for Toronto, Jayna Reeves recorded 12 kills, one block and one ace, Addison Dobbs added 15 kills and one ace and Danielle Sutherin delivered 32 assists and nine aces. Also, Kylie Mitchell tallied eight kills and two blocks, Josey Dickinson contributed one block and four kills and Emma Parello produced two blocks and two kills. Finally, Haley Bodnar chipped in with 15 digs, while Jaylee Brown ended up with seven digs.
The first set was tied at seven, but the girls in red reached the 10-point mark first to rally for a 10-9 lead. Big Red battled back and took a 12-11 lead resulting in Bahen calling a timeout. The Red Knights reached 15 first, but the girls answered right back to knot the score.
Toronto countered by scoring three-straight points causing Colabella to call a timeout. The lead grew to 19-15, and Colabella called another timeout with her team down 21-17. Big Red battled, but the home team was only able to get to within two points the rest of the way as Toronto went on to win the set by three to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
The visitors built an 8-4 lead in the second set, however, the hosts battled back and tied the score at 8. The victors responded and took a 10-9 lead, but the hosts responded and took an 11-10 advantage causing Bahen to call a timeout. Big Red took the lead at 15-14, but the Red-and-White fought back and built a 20-18 advantage.
Toronto extended its advantage out to 23-19 forcing Colabella to call a timeout, however, the home team was unable to turn the tide as the Red Knights scored two more points to win the set by five to take a 2-0 lead.
“Our two outside hitters – Jayna Reeves and Addison Dobbs – got started,” Bahen said. “We were able to get the pass to our setter, and she was able to set our outside hitters. When we are able to do that, we believe it is going to be a point every time.
“We followed our gameplan. We watched a lot of film. We modified our practices with the JVs, and it paid off. We executed our gameplan.”
The girls from the Gem City controlled the third set from the outset.
The Red Knights turned a 6-2 advantage into a 16-2 one. Colabella called two timeouts during the run to try and stem the tide, but she was unable to turn things around.
“It was the same thing,” Colabella said. “That was my fault. We will fix it. We will bounce back. I always give credit to our girls. They never give up. They could be down by 24 points, and they will still be out there playing hard. I am proud of them for that.”
Toronto increased its advantage to 19-4, but Big Red did not go away quietly as they scored the next five points. The hosts had the momentum, but Toronto was able to regroup and turn things around on their way to winning the set by 14 points to complete the sweep.
“Our setter – Danielle Sutherin – got her 500th assist last night, and she served 10-straight points,” Bahen said. “We forced them to use both of their timeouts. Logan is a great coach. Her assistants are great. Her bench is deep. We knew they were going to find someone who could receive the serve. We stayed on our toes when they did. We executed.”
Big Red defeated Toronto in four sets Sept. 10 inside the George J. Kunzler Memorial Gymnasium.
“I think we were a little more clear with we wanted our hitters to do,” Bahen said. “Big Red really plays defense well. We knew what spots were going to be open and what spots were not going to be open. They are a good block team, but we were able to adjust. They didn’t quit.
“Our two DSs – Haley Bodnar and Jaylee Brown – played lights out. Their passes were spot on. I say it every time I talk to you, but if our passing is consistent, we are going to be a pretty-good team.”
Big Red won the first two sets in the first meeting between the two teams before the Red Knights responded and won the third to pull to within, 2-1, in the match. Toronto had the lead late in the fourth set, bit Big Red recorded the final five points of the set to secure the victory.
“I don’t think either side did anything different,” Colabella said. “We did not take advantage of some opportunities when we needed to. I will fix that. We can’t let this put a damper on things. We will bounce back.”
Bahen and Colabella have known each other for a longtime.
“She is my best friend’s cousin,” Colabella said. “I have known her for a longtime.”
Colabella is also friends with Weir head coach Fran Capaldi and Catholic Central first-year head coach Megan Lloyd.
“It is a truly a little weird caching against her,” Colabella said about Bahen. “I don’t know how to describe it. It is a little weird. It is cool. We like volleyball, and it is nice for us to be part of volleyball. We are friends, and it is cool that we can coach against each other.”
Big Red is scheduled to play city-rival Catholic Central Thursday night at home.
“Volleyball has gotten bigger in the valley, and it is nice to have people who care coaching it,” Colabella said. “It is cool that we are all coaching it. I think it is awesome.”
The JV match is set to start at 6 p.m.
“We play Thursday,” Colabella said. “We are going to go in and prepare like we normally prepare. We are going to try and not make it bigger than what it is. It is just a game. It doesn’t matter who you are playing. It is just a game. Sometimes, I think you can make a bigger deal out of things. It is another game. We want to go out and play our game.”
Big Red swept the Crusaders Sept. 3 on the road inside the Mickey Barber Gymnasium.
Toronto is slated to play Conotton Valley Thursday at home. The Red Knights defeated the Rockets in four sets Sept. 1 on the road.
“Conotton Valley had a really-good senior class last year,” Bahen said. “We played them three times last season. If we play our style of game, I like our chances against anybody.”