SHELBY (Crawford County Now) — Colonel Crawford took a giant step in rebuilding its volleyball program here Tuesday night.
The Lady Eagles, by sweeping South Central 25-16, 25-18, 25-22 advanced to a Division VI district title game. In 2022, they lost in the Division III district semifinal to Galion 3 games to 1.
It’s a young team as well, led by freshman all Northern 10 Athletic Conference first team selection Reese Redman.
Redman, who entered third in the league with 320 kills, added 18 more in the win.
“This game wasn’t going to be taken lightly,” Redman said. “We knew they were a pretty good team and beat Seneca East. We went into practice and said this is still a game. We were focused and had energy and that’s what really brought it together.”
“We played as a team. It’s such a great feeling because this program has come so far. Not since the Ritzhaupts (Rylee and Regan) played. We’ve been building it back up and everyone is doing their part.”
Redman is one of eight freshmen and sophomores on the team.
No. 2 Colonel Crawford (16-8) takes on New Bremen (22-2) at Wapakoneta Thursday at 6 p.m. in the district championship.
Redman and Emmi Powers got the first set going with points for the Lady Eagles. Freshman Alex Voll had an ace, but the Trojans fought back before succumbing, 25-16.
“I am so freaking proud of them,” Crawford head coach Jaime Valentine said. “A year ago we weren’t even in this conversation, and they have just gutted it out and bought in.”
The Lady Eagles got contributions from everyone on the court, including three sophomores. Redman and Sophia Gray recorded 15 digs. Alaina Parr had 10 points and Saylor Holt added 9.
Parr is a second team all-league selection and Gray third team.
Ella Agee had 14 assists and Lila Plesac added 12.
Set two got a bit tense as South Central gnawed away, tying it at 7-7 and keeping it as close as 14-13. A Redman kill and a few miscues by the Trojans allowed the Lady Eagles to take it.
“There were not very many balls that fell to the floor on our side of the court,” Valentine said. “They played a very scrappy game and found some shots that were a weakness for us and were starting to hit.
“We blocked well and played great at the front row. Reese had taken control of the court — and for a freshman, that’s pretty special to see.”
Colonel Crawford stormed out to an 8-1 lead to open the third set. Again, the pesky South Central team didn’t go away, cutting the margin to 17-13.
Enter Redman with another kill and the Lady Eagles rattled off a few more. A questionable call narrowed the score to 22-18 before Powers added two more to close it out.
“We have changed their mentality and thought process on defense. They’re all in it together and that’s a huge difference from last year to this year,” Valentine said.
“We’re still young and we’re here and that’s the exciting part.”
No. 6 South Central closes its season at 11-13 and head coach Sara Hohler credited Colonel Crawford with being a talented group.
“They do have lots of weapons to be able go to and they work really well together as a team,” she said.
“Our girls never give up, and I have a great group of (six) seniors, and they have played a long time. They have perseverance and they tried to chip away. Unfortunately, we didn’t have quite enough of that.”