Delaware Christian handles Ridgedale 3-0 in district semifinal

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By Ben Stroup

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The Delaware Christian volleyball team rebounded to win a sluggish second set before dominating the third en route to a straight-set win over Ridgedale in a Division IV district semifinal Tuesday at Buckeye Valley High School.

The second-seeded Eagles (21-3) won the first set 25-18 before sealing the deal with wins of 25-22 and 25-13.

The Rockets, the No. 10 seed, worked their way to a 7-5 first-set lead before several unforced errors and a kill by Erin McCullough gave DCS a 10-7 lead — an edge it maintained the rest of the set.

Liz Sullivan made it 13-7 with a kill before another Ridgedale hitting error made it 14-7.

The Rockets’ Laney Davis stopped the bleeding with a kill, but McCullough answered right back with a solid swing of her own to balloon the edge even further. A long exchange capped by a kill by the Eagles’ Sarah Rosato ended the first set.

Ridgedale started fast in the second, but Delaware Christian lived up to its seeding when it mattered most, storming back from an early 9-3 deficit to take a late lead before locking up the set.

Back-to-back aces from McCullough gave the Eagles their first edge of the set, and a block by Abbey Evans all but cemented the win.

McCullough led the way with 13 kills, 13 digs and five aces. Mary Kerins was also solid, finishing with 22 digs, while Evans chipped in seven kills, Brianna Blackburn had 26 assists, five kills and six digs, Sullivan added 10 digs and five kills and Anna Fuller finished with four kills and three aces.

With the win, DCS advances to Saturday’s district final against Berne Union to be played back at BV at 11 a.m.

Follow Ben Stroup on Twitter @delgazette_ben.

Members of the Delaware Christian volleyball team celebrate after rallying to win the second set of Tuesday’s Division IV district semifinal against Ridgedale.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/10/web1_dcs3.jpgMembers of the Delaware Christian volleyball team celebrate after rallying to win the second set of Tuesday’s Division IV district semifinal against Ridgedale.

Delaware Christian’s Sarah Rosato (6) blocks a shot during the first set of Tuesday’s district semifinal against Ridgedale.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/10/web1_dcs12.jpgDelaware Christian’s Sarah Rosato (6) blocks a shot during the first set of Tuesday’s district semifinal against Ridgedale.

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