NEW CARLISLE — Graham defeated Bellefontaine, 26-24, 25-13, 25-5, in the Division II volleyball sectional at Tecumseh High School on Monday.
The first set was a close, back-and-forth affair throughout, with Bellefontaine holding a late lead. Graham Coach Gaye Carafa called time out for Graham and the Falcons rallied for the win.
“I knew the first set would be a little rough. We needed to have a first round game just to get us in the gym and get us going,” Carafa said.
The second set saw the Falcons open up a 4-0 lead before Bellefontaine tied it at 5-5. Graham pulled away again, though, pushing the margin to 21-8 and sailing to a 2-0 set lead.
In the third, Bellefontaine looked like it might be game to try a comeback, but Graham’s talent wore the Chieftains down and the Falcons cruised to a 25-5 victory to close out the match.
“We’re hoping for the best. We’re hoping for a rematch with (Kenton Ridge) and then go from there,” Carafa said.
Graham was led by Carly Carafa’s 16 kills, Kaitlin Trace’s 13 kills, Katie Milligan’s 11 kills and 3 blocks and Molly Hamilton’s 36 assists.
Graham plays Shawnee here on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
WL-S advances
BROOKVILLE – WL-S beat Milton-Union, 25-14, 25-16, 27-25, in the semifinals of the Division III volleyball sectional on Monday.
For the Tigers, Alex Burton had 9 kills, 9 digs, 16/17 serving with 6 aces, Tory Cordell had 8 kills, 6 digs, 10/12 serving and 1 block, Kaylee Harrison had 6 kills and 2 blocks, Regan Hormann had 6 kills, Bree Koons had 4 kills, 16/17 serving with 6 aces, 15 assists and 9 digs, Allie Yoder had 8 digs, 15 assists and 1 ace, Olivia Ames had 14 digs, 7/8 serving with 1 ace and Hallie Strapp had 14 digs, 3 kills and 12/13 serving.
The Tigers advance to play Versailles here on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the sectional final.
WL-S soccer wins
The West Liberty-Salem boys soccer team won its first tournament game Monday night by defeating Northwestern, 2-0. Scoreless at the half, the Tigers came out quickly in the second half with a Raiph Levan goal from an Ian Wolfe assist just 20 seconds in. Then, with 8 minutes remaining, Neil Markin scored from a Daniel Lehman assist to seal the victory.
Gavin Harrison had 4 saves. Levan finished the game in goal recording 2 saves.
The Tigers (10-5-2) advance to play at Botkins on Thursday at 5 p.m.
