Union City did not go down without a fight in the Class A State Volleyball Tournament.
The Lady Tornadoes led in all three sets but were eliminated with their second loss in as many days in the double elimination event Wednesday, falling 3-0 to Meigs County.
UC thus ends its second-ever state tourney appearance in the nine-year history of the program with an otherwise stellar 15-7 record – the win total marking the second-highest ever for the Purple and Gold in the sport.
The program will graduate seniors Samantha George, Abby Suiter, Chloe Pritchard, Erin Oatsvall and Marlee Johnson from this year’s squad.
“Our girls have accomplished an extremely challenging season with both actual volleyball feats and environmental feats,” head coach Jodi Powell said after Wednesday’s season-ending match. “With society constantly in a state of uncertainty, we consider ourselves super blessed to have even had a season.
“These girls worked hard, growing a love and appreciation for the sport and for each other that has also overflowed to the student body and the community. The girls feel accomplished and we are super proud of their season.
“We are also excited about the future of the program as they are leaving a legacy to continue.”
UC battled throughout Wednesday’s match against MC (19-1), leading by as many as five points in the first set and by four in the second.
A 13-1 Lady Tiger run in the opening set allowed Meigs County to win the opener, 25-17, though.
There were eight ties in the second set after the Lady Tornadoes held an early 6-2 lead. MC scored six of the final eight points to win 25-19.
Union City had a slim lead (5-3) in the final set before Meigs posted runs of six and five straight, respectively, to ease to a 25-14 victory and secure the match.
George finished with a team-best 13 service points for the Lady Tornadoes. Johnson followed with eight.
Kaigan Davis recorded 15 kills, followed by Johnson’s 14. Chloe Pritchard recorded 11, while Suiter had seven and both Taylor and George finished with five apiece.
George and Emma Powell were lauded by their coach for covering the net with tips in the team’s defensive efforts, while Sara Ullrich and Annie Wade received praise for the backcourt defensive play from Powell.