Local Sports

Quakers plan to be in the mix for EBC title

SALEM -- Crestview knows it’s a volleyball program in a state of transition, but there’s enough success baked-in over the years that the Rebels still know how to win.

Using an all-around effort, the Rebels overcame the hard-hitting of Salem senior Abby Knickerbocker to grad their first win of the season 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 28-26 on Tuesday.

Salem entered the match 3-0 for the first time since 2019 and the Rebels (1-1) came in having dropped just their fourth regular season match in four years with a loss to East Liverpool on Saturday.

It’s also Crestview coach Alisha Auer’s first time coaching the Rebels without a daughter on the team in 10 years.

“It’s weird,” Auer said. “I drive home from games now and I don’t have anyone in the car with me.”

In the three games the Rebels won the team used its very deep bench, solid serving and solid defense to outlast Salem.

“That’s what we focus on from day one,” Auer said. “We have to serve and serve receive if we’re going to win. That’s it. We don’t have the big offense we’ve had in the past. It’s coming, but the serving and serve receiving is what we’re going to live and die by.”

Bella Ciapala was the Rebels’ biggest offensive engine with 17 kills, while Sophia Noling had nine kills. Madi Kyser chipped in five kills and a block. Veteran senior libero Kerrigan Miller had 39 digs and two aces. Hailey Boano added 10 digs and two aces, while freshman Karlise Miller had seven aces and 12 digs. Cam Davidson had 14 assists.

Senior Addison Wendell said she knows this season is going to be different, but the team is excited for the challenge.

“We still have a very strong offense this year, but last year we have the No. 1 hitter in Ohio (in Alaina Auer),” Wendell said. “Losing her was a big loss but we’re pulling it together and we’re going to be really good.”

Coach Auer is very pleased with the overall make-up of the team which featured a lot of players who had success and the jayvee and freshman levels.

“We’re very solid from top to bottom, we just don’t have that player like Salem’s Abby Knickerbocker -- a player who crushes the ball over and over again,” Auer said. “We’re getting there though.”

Speaking of Knickerbocker, the senior all-around athlete, peppered Crestview with 20 kills, four blocks and four aces.

“She’s an amazing player, she’s a smart player and she’s a leader,” Salem coach Michelle Pieniazek said. “This year I especially see that she has stepped up. She’s playing amazing games, but also is encouraging her teammates. She’s helping her teammates where they can improve. She’s really stepped up.”

Knickerbocker is a key asset for a Salem team that expects big things with five seniors -- Knickerbocker, Kenna Mayhew, Alivia Ruth, Macey Troy and Ryann Vross.

“It’s an exciting year,” Salem coach Michelle Pieniazek said. “Our seniors have really stepped up. They’re encouraging all of their teammates. Everything we do is a team effort.”

Troy, who sets, had 18 assists.

Pieniazek thinks the Quakers will be in the mix for the last Eastern Buckeye Conference title Salem will be involved in before leaving for the Northeast 8 next fall.

“The girls are fighting and every practice we are not taking it easy on them,” Pieniazek said. “We’re going to show the EBC something this year.”

Pieniazek thinks the race is wide open.

“Some people say Marlington, some say Minerva and I have heard us,” Pieniazek said.

NOTES

• Auer has delegated more to her assistants this off-season since she might have to step away at points to see her daughters play in college. For right now, though, she’ll be around the Rebels since she said Grace Auer at Findlay and Alaina Auer at Malone are battling injuries.

“I trust the (assistants) if I have to step away,” Auer said. “But it’s pretty much like it was before.”

• Crestview won the jayvee match 25-20, 25-20. Makenna Ray had seven kills, 11 digs and an ace. Mave Hasson added four kills. Claire Crable had 15 assists, four aces and eight digs.

• Crestview will host Liberty on Thursday.

Salem is at Heartland Christian on Saturday.