Marietta High's volleyball netters took care of business on the floor and then celebrated Senior Night at Sutton Gym Thursday.
MHS claimed its first ourtright East Central Ohio League title by defeating Zanesville High 25-14, 25-8 and 25-14. Dover and New Philadelphia both finished second in the ECOL Scarlet Division.
After the sweep, Lady Tigers seniors' Kaitlyn Cozzens, Lexi Walsh, Kourtney Crum, Haley Bonar and Kristen Hill, and Lady Blue Devil seniors' Lauren Alton, Sara Sims and Tabby Schneider were all recognized.
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RON JOHNSTON The Marietta Times
Marietta seniors, left to right, Lexi Walsh, Kaitlyn Cozzens, Haley Bonar, Kourtney Crum, and Kristen Hill, helped the Lady Tigers claim the ECOL volleyball crown by sweeping Zanesville in three games on Senior Night at Sutton Gym.
"It's been a great year all the way around," said Marietta head coach Ron Kidder, whose orange and black netters won their 11th straight VB match, improving their overall record to 18-4 (11-2 ECOL). "I know the emphasis a lot of times is on winning but you've got to have fun and enjoy who you're with for the whole season.
"We honored our seniors tonight and they've been a blessing all year. They're great leaders, and they played their hearts out."
Walsh, the libero, had six points and 18 digs.
Fact Box
Marietta def. Zanesville 25-14, 25-8, 25-14
Marietta (18-4, 11-2): Lexi Walsh 6pts, 18digs; Kaitlyn Cozzens 3pts, 1ace, 4kills, 23assists, 9digs; Gracie Haas 3pts, 2kills, 4digs; Kristen Hill 14pts, 4aces, 10kills, 12 digs; Kourtney Crum 10pts 4aces, 6kills, 1assist, 12 digs; Haley Bonar 10pts, 2aces, 4kills, 1assist, 7digs; Holly Hutchison 1dig; Lain Weppler 5kills, 1dig; Mattie Miller 1dig, Chrystal McCoy 1dig
"By winning tonight, we're guaranteed at least a tie for the league title," Walsh said. "So it was really important to put away the emotions of Senior Night for a little while and win."
Cozzens finished with three points, one ace, four kills, 23 assists and nine digs.
"We had a little bit of fun in the game," Cozzens said. "I just love my team and can't wait until the (postseason) tournament starts."
Bonar contributed 10 points, two aces, four kills and one assist.
"My first thought is that I love my seniors and I'm going to miss them like crazy," Bonar said. "And that's what tonight's been about. I'm glad that everybody stepped up and played well tonight."
Hill notched 14 points, four aces, 10 kills and 12 digs.
"It seems like every time we play, we get better," Hill said. "We had fun tonight and that's what it's about."
Crum added 10 points, four aces, six kills, one assist and 12 digs.
"It was both a happy and sad time tonight," Crum said. "Plus, we got a chance to play different positions."
Zanesville fell to 4-18 on the season.
ZHS jumped out to a 4-1 advantage in Game 1. But after two kills by Marietta's Lain Weppler made it 8-6, the Lady Tigers never looked back. With Crum serving, the orange and black lead bulged to 15-8.
Zanesville battled back and got as close as four points twice. Marietta finished with a 25-14 win.
In Game 2, MHS dominated, especially when Hill was serving. The Lady Tigers broke a 3-3 tie and had a 13-0 run to make it 16-3. Cruising, they won going away 25-8.
Marietta never trailed in Game 3, notching a 25-14 triumph.
"I was OK with how we played," Kidder said. "We let the seniors play the whole time, and they got to play in different places and spots that they don't usually play in. It was a great night that they'll remember. We're where we want to be right now. I think we're well-balanced, and we're going to be a hard out for somebody (in the postseason)."
