CHILLICOTHE — The bracket played out as expected with No. 2 Circleville taking on No. 1 Warren in Saturday’s Division IV Southeast District championship.
While the Tigers put up a strong fight, Warren prevailed in four sets 22-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17.
“Credit to Warren, that is a phenomenal team,” Circleville coach Crystal Thornsley said. “They are experienced and play well together. You can’t coach experience, and they are senior heavy.
“I think our girls belonged out there and fought through everything.”
Circleville got out to a strong start in the first set and led by as many as seven points a couple of times. Warren battled back and tied the game at 22-22 before the Tigers closed out the win.
In the second set, Warren got out to an 8-3 lead before Circleville closed to 8-7. The Warriors were able to keep their lead the rest of the way in tying the series with a 25-17 win
Warren got up 5-0 in the third set and Circleville battled back to tie it at 9-9. The Warriors scored the next four points to get the momentum back on the way to a 25-20 win.
The Tigers opened the fourth set scoring the first three points. Warren came back to go up 9-5. Circleville kept battling and had the margin to one point several times, including 13-12, before Warren started to widen the gap, leading by as many as nine late in the set before posting a 25-17 final.
“We had a challenging schedule all the way through and as the season went on it got harder and harder. We set it up that way for this reason,” Thornsley said. “We’re young and we want these girls to see the best and tonight Warren was the best.
“They got a feel of what it takes to get that gold medal. I’m hoping that they’re hungry.”
While 12 of the players on the roster should be back next year for Circleville, the Tigers lose senior hitter Ayla Carmichael and senior libero Sydney Lattimer.
“Those two wear their hearts on their sleeves and are the best teammates,” Thornsley said. “Ayla Carmichael did a fantastic job for us on the right side. She’s a super fun kid. Sidney Lattimer is the hardest worker and just a beautiful human being.
“Those are going to be two huge losses for us — emotionally and as teammates.”
Circleville wraps up the season with a 17-8 record and finished second in the MSL Buckeye at 10-2.
Warren (21-2) will take on Meadowbrook (24-1) Thursday night in a regional semifinal at Pickerington High School North.
