Harrison Central volleyball earns first wins of season

Harrison Central’s varsity volleyball team collected its first win of the season Aug. 19 in a five-set thriller at Buckeye Local, then followed it up with a straight-set victory over Steubenville Catholic Central the next night in Cadiz.

At Buckeye Local, the Lady Huskies dropped the first set 25-19 before rallying for a 26-24 win in the second. The teams split the next two sets — Buckeye Local winning 25-20 and Harrison Central taking the fourth 25-18 — setting up a decisive fifth. The Huskies held on for a 15-12 victory.

Jaylin Ward led with nine kills, a block, eight digs and two aces. Emma Jarvis added seven kills, five aces and seven digs. Hannah Grady recorded four kills, nine aces, 16 assists and seven digs, while Leah Grady finished with five kills, 10 assists, 19 digs and five aces. Mikayla Pelegreen chipped in two kills, two aces and 15 digs.

“This was an exciting game as a coach because these girls realized that they are a good team that can overcome whatever is thrown their way,” Coach Grace Godich said. “Although we had several unforced errors and some areas that need improvement, we were able to adjust in the moment to overcome the battle against Buckeye Local. Buckeye is a solid team. I was very impressed by their skill.”

The next night, Harrison Central swept Catholic Central 25-18, 25-17, 25-10. Strong communication and fewer miscues helped the Huskies control each set, and Godich was able to get varsity minutes for several JV players.

“Last night’s game went really well,” Godich said. “The girls were a little tired from the five-set win the night before, so I think the game went a little slower than we would’ve liked. There are still some areas that need improvement, but I expect these girls to push themselves to get better.”

Ward again had a standout performance with 11 kills, six digs, two assists and two aces. Leah Grady added six kills, six digs, eight assists and three aces, while Hannah Grady tallied five kills, six digs, 17 assists and three aces.

The victories moved Harrison Central to 2-1 on the season.