Lakewood rallies from two sets down to claim district title

Lakewood volleyball trailed Twinsburg 11-9 in the final set of the district championship match on October 29. The Rangers needed a surge to avoid losing a match they had controlled early. Kara Laidley delivered that surge from the service line.

Laidley served five consecutive points to put Lakewood up 14-11. The lead appeared to shift momentum decisively. However, Twinsburg responded immediately, tying the score at 14 and then taking a 15-14 lead. The match hung in the balance with one point separating the teams.

Ari Hueter stepped up in the final sequence. She attacked a set from Mia Dugan to put Lakewood back in front. The next point came when a Twinsburg hitter sent the ball long. That error gave Lakewood the final point and a 17-15 victory in the deciding set.

The final score was 25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 17-15. Lakewood won the first two sets but dropped the third and fourth to Twinsburg. Head Coach Terry Spilker led the team to the win. Key contributors included Laine Sheehan and Alyssa Volcansek at the net, Clio Burgoyne at the block, and Aliyah Plicka on the bench.

Indigo Moncrief recorded strong blocks and hits, while Tess Thrasher made multiple defensive saves as the libero. Gabi Alstadt provided offensive support from the reserve position. Laidley also contributed in the back row during the final sets.

The victory advances Lakewood to the Sweet 16 round. The trophy joins the school’s permanent collection. The team finished the season with a district championship after a five-set battle.