Centerville reaches 12th straight state volleyball tournament

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By Debbie Juniewicz, Contributing Writer 11:53 PM Saturday, May 22, 2010

CENTERVILLE — Qualifying to the state tournament is an expectation, not a special occasion for the Centerville High School boys volleyball team.

“For us, not getting to state would be an unsuccessful season,” Elks coach Monte Moser said. “With the success this program has had over the years, they have that obligation.”

The Elks met their obligation Saturday, May 22, beating Lakota East at home 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 in the Division I volleyball regional finals.

The win marked Centerville’s 19th regional title and 12th in a row. The Elks have three state titles and have been runners-up four times.

Centerville handled the Thunderhawks early, but Lakota East kept it close in the second set as the Elks defense struggled to maintain its momentum.

“That was a good team we played,” Moser said. “But, at this level, you’ve got to be able to handle some pressure, and we did.”

Senior outside hitter Sam Sheers posted 11 kills and junior setter David Riggsby had 31 assists to pace the Elks offense.

Defensively, Steve Splawinski tallied 16 digs while Michael Van Winkle added seven blocks.

The Elks’ home-court advantage will continue for one more week when Centerville hosts the state tournament on May 29-30.

“There’s a lot of parity this season,” Moser said. “It’s anybody’s game this year at state.”

In the other D-I regional final, Lakota West beat Beavercreek 25-22, 25-19, 25-17 to claim the last spot in the state final four. It was the Firebirds’ third consecutive regional title.

Division II: Alter coach Craig Erford knew better than to take Chaminade Julienne lightly, despite the Knights’ pair of regular-season wins over the Eagles.

“I expected (CJ) to come to play,” Erford said.

The Eagles did just that, opening the D-II regional with a 25-23 win. It was just what the Knights needed to motivate them.

“I think it helped them refocus,” Erford said. “The second game, it was the best I’ve ever seen them play all year.”

Alter rallied to take the D-II title with a 23-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-21 win over CJ.

D-II regional player of the year Keaton Pieper posted 42 assists and sophomore middle hitter Chuck Eisenhauer led the Knights offense with 15 kills. Alter senior outside hitter Alex Morrison added three aces.

It will be the second state appearance in the past three years for the Knights (18-5).

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