Girls district volleyball: Uniontown Lake gets past Buckeye

AURORA — Aggressive serving and timely execution at the net allowed 19th-seeded Uniontown Lake to get past the No. 33 Buckeye volleyball team in the opening round of the postseason. Ayla Filisky had a match-high 11 kills, along with six of the Blue Streaks' 14 aces, in a 25-17, 25-23, 25-23 win over the Bucks in a Division III, Northeast 4 District quarterfinal at Aurora on Thursday. Senior middle hitter Abi Kirlough fired eight kills without an error and made three blocks, and junior setter Aurora Allen collected 17 assists, 13 service points and 10 digs for Buckeye. The Bucks fought off seven set points in the second and third, but Lake's firepower proved too much to stop. "We put up a good fight and tried as hard as we could," Allen said. "It was a tough night because it was the last time we'll play with our seniors, but I'm so grateful for the time we've spent with them." Four-year starter Haiden Morrison frustrated the Blue Streaks throughout with 14 digs and four assists, while senior outside hitter Emma Bostic had seven kills and senior setter Nico Anzevino had five helpers. Buckeye (5-15) only committed 18 unforced errors to 29 by Lake (12-9) but lost the kill battle 43-30. Peyton Fritz also reached double digits with 10 kills for the victors. "Despite the outcome, our team played a great game," Bucks coach Erica Repas said. "The girls were able to battle back each set and truly left it all on the court tonight. "I'm so proud of them and beyond grateful that this group of girls, especially our seniors, were with me for my first year as head coach." Sophomore outside hitter Mariana Harmon had seven kills and sophomore middle Eva Wolf added a pair of kills and two blocks in their tournament debuts for Buckeye. Freshman outside hitter Erin Salazar did not play because of a back injury. "We have a lot of great freshmen who will only get better," Allen said. "As long as we work harder and get closer threw off-court bonding, next year will be even better." Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on X.