High Schools

FAIRBORN — Alter's Knights have left many opponents shaking their heads this season.

"I think it's kind of hard to figure out why we're so good," Alter volleyball coach Tina Jasinowski said. "I think when people watch us walk into the gym, we don't look all that impressive. I think we're very deceptive."

While they may not have intimidated anyone walking into the gym, the Knights impressed many at the Nutter center before they left Friday, making quick work of West Holmes High School, 25-18, 25-18, 25-11, in the Division II state volleyball semifinals.

"What you saw was what we planned to accomplish," Jasinowski said. "It wasn't the best performance Alter volleyball has given this season, we're saving that for tomorrow."

Balance has been a key to the Knights success this season, and Friday was no exception. Senior outside hitter Sarah Fisher led Alter's scoring with 21 kills, and four players reached double figures in digs in the strong defensive performance.

"Alter volleyball is rarely a one-woman show," Jasinowski said. "We have a balanced attack and really play as a team." Another factor in the postseason success is tough regular-season competition.

"Our first year in the (Girls Greater Cincinnati League), we went 0-11 and I was fearful we'd get hammered every night," Jasinowski said. "I think it is the strongest league in the state in girls volleyball, and it pushed us to a higher level.

The Knights (25-3) will put their experience to the test today in the final.

It will be a battle of Ohio powers when Alter, which has been ranked second in the state all season, faces No. 1 Walsh Jesuit (27-1).

The Warriors, who were state runners-up to Roger Bacon last year, toppled Big Walnut in four games.