High school volleyball: Emily Stanik, Ashley Shefferly dominate in Highland defeat of Roosevelt

GRANGER TWP. -- Emily Stanik and Ashley Shefferly have been friends and teammates since beginning their CYO volleyball careers at St. Albert the Great in North Royalton. Now seniors, they're doing everything they can to go out on top together. Stanik fired a match-high-tying 10 kills in just two sets and Shefferly collected 25 assists Thursday in leading Highland to a 25-7, 25-12, 25-18 victory over Kent Roosevelt in Suburban League American Conference action. The Hornets (6-1, 4-0) extended their winning streak to six and remained in a first-place tie with perennial rival Revere. The Minutemen travel to Highland on Tuesday in the most important match of the season to date involving a Medina County squad. "We're a strong program and we have a good team, but it was a big step getting used to not having our seniors from last year on the court," said Stanik, who had as many kills as the Rough Riders team in the first two sets. "That's why it's so nice having Ashley back with me. And it's nice knowing that I'll be getting perfect sets." Both girls chuckled at the latter compliment, but opponents know it's no laughing matter trying to stop the Shefferly-to-Stanik combination. If the Hornets are to capture an unprecedented sixth consecutive league championship, they must lead the way. "Me and Em have known each other since we were in grade school and there is a calming effect having her with me," Shefferly said. "It's doesn't matter how crazy a point gets, I know she's always an outlet. "Really, all of our seniors have a strong bond and are good friends, which makes playing together much easier." Highland has only dropped one set since losing its opener to Division III state title favorite Gilmour Academy, knocking off all of the SL title contenders except Revere. The Rough Riders (3-5, 2-2) were next in line after Copley and Tallmadge. By all rights, the Hornets shouldn't be this far along after graduating top hitter Izzy Shank and libero Sydney Smith, yet h, here they are. "I anticipated we would struggle a little bit more at the beginning, but all the girls came back from the Gilmour match and have played so crisply and smoothly," Highland coach Laura Merk said. "They're all doing so well, it's hard to give them all the playing time I'd like to. But that's a very good problem to have." Junior libero Carley Niese, the only returning full-time passer on the roster, amassed 19 service points, six aces, 17 digs and two assists and senior outside hitter Sofija Kozul made 11 digs against Roosevelt. Juniors Lily Votjko and Kamryn Heldreth also have blossomed in much larger roles, as has senior Kennedy Morgan. Vojtko had eight kills, Heldreth posted seven kills, nine points and two blocks and Morgan had five kills, 12 digs and a pair of rejections. Senior middle hitter Aleena VanKirk and junior outside Abby Capper added five kills apiece for Highland, which won the kill battle 46-21 while having all 13 of its players log significant action. "It was a good showing by everyone," Merk said. "Now that this one is over, we'll start getting ready for Revere." Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow @BrianDulik on X.