Black Bears soccer, Lady Bears volleyball win districts 

The River View Black Bears varsity soccer team earned its third consecutive district championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Beaver Local.

Carson Bryant netted the game’s lone goal midway through the first half, and the Black Bears’ defense held strong for the full 80 minutes to secure the shutout win.

With the victory, River View advances to the OHSAA Division IV Regional Semifinal, where they will face St. Clairsville on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Cambridge High School.

St. Clairsville earned its spot in the regional round after defeating West Muskingum 3-1.

Also advancing for River View is the varsity volleyball team. The River View Lady Bears battled back from a one-set deficit to defeat Beaver Local 3-1 and capture the OHSAA Division IV East District Volleyball Championship. It was the Lady Bears third straight district volleyball title.

After narrowly dropping the opening set 24-26, River View responded with determination - winning three straight sets by scores of 27-25, 25-16, and 30-28 to secure the title.

Kelsie Smith directed the offense with 47 assists, while also adding 36 digs and 3 aces in an all-around performance. Haley Balo powered the attack with 26 kills, 17 digs, and 3 aces, while Lindyn Fry anchored the defense with 19 digs and 9 assists. Layla Olinger added 17 kills and 3 aces, with Remi Lewis contributing 9 kills and 3 blocks, and Avie Wright tallying 7 kills and a block to round out a balanced offensive effort.

With the victory, the Lady Bears advance to the Regional Semifinal, where they will face Meadowbrook, the East District’s top seed.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at Pickerington North High School.

For more on area high school sports, visit claxonsports.com.