NDCL vs. Jefferson volleyball: Lions sweep past Falcons, into regional semifinal
Oct. 29—NDCL and Jefferson met in the Division II Streetsboro District final on Oct. 29 in a battle of the three and five seeds. While both featured talented hitters, the Lions found holes in the defense first and took advantage of those looks.
The Lions swept the Falcons, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18, and returned to the regional semifinals for the fourth season in a row. They will face second-seeded Holy Name at Stow on Nov. 3.
The biggest challenge for NDCL against Jefferson was the unknown. While coach Tom Ray watched film to figure out a general strategy. That could be thrown out the window.
"The challenging part is playing teams that you haven't really seen play before," Ray said. "Preparing for different styles of volleyball that maybe you aren't as used to and being able to adapt and adjust quickly to be able to win the match."
NDCL was led by Caroline Jurevicius with 17 kills and three aces. Reiley Parent added in seven and Lauren Janosy had six. Being able to balance out their attack and not rely on just the swing of the Nebraska commit was a goal of the Lions.
NDCL won both of its district matchups in straight sets. That is something Ray knows can pay dividends as the postseason continues when it comes to momentum the rest of the way.
"Getting back-to-back sweeps gives us a lot of confidence going into regionals," Ray said. "We have definitely gotten better by really pushing to finish matches and staying the course with our game plans. Every player on the team has stepped up intensity at practice and it's showing in our game play, especially in our defense."
NDCL came into the season hoping to rinse out the taste of an earlier-than-wanted playoff exit. But Ray and his team followed the motto of one set at a time.
It hasn't been the easiest sledding for the Lions, including a four game losing streak. But Ray had faith his team would figure things out and right the ship while juggling different looks, something they will continue to do as they prepare for the Namers.
"We do a lot of game planning for the team we will play next," Ray said. "With three different defenses and different blocking schemes and different tempos of offense, we make sure the team is prepared and waiting for their next opponent. We make sure we talk about taking care of the team in front of us and even as far as one pass set swing at a time."
