DaytonDailyNews.com

FAIRBORN — There was no singular moment in Kelli Barhorst's volleyball career when she knew she was good enough to play for most Division I colleges in the country.

It was more a gradual progression in confidence for the 6-foot-3 Anna High School junior who earned first-team All-Ohio honors.

With Barhorst leading the way, Anna has crafted a 29-0 record and No. 1 ranking among the state's Division III teams. The Rockets play for the state title today at Wright State's Nutter Center against defending state champion Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (22-5). VASJ was No. 10 in the final coaches' poll.

In an 18-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-19 semifinal win over Albany Alexander on Friday, Barhorst had 24 kills, 11 digs and four service aces. She was especially effective early in the second game after the Rockets were stagnant in the first game.

She scored six of her team's first nine points as it jumped to a 9-2 lead, gaining momentum before controlling the rest of the match.

"She's a hammer," said Alexander coach Brad Jeffers. "She's obviously got some real good players around her, but she makes the big plays when you need them. I can see why Ohio State recruited her."

That's right, Barhorst is going to play for the Buckeyes.

"Sometimes, I still shake my head that someone from a little school like Anna (137 girls) is going to Ohio State," she said. "I guess it was this summer I started to gain confidence."

More junior talent

Another outstanding junior in the tournament is 6-3 Sara Sage from Huron. She has committed to UCLA. She had 25 kills against VASJ, while Susie Isphording had 15. They couldn't overcome VASJ's balance, with four players in double figures with kills.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2251 or dlong@DaytonDailyNews.com.