Kash Coers
Columbus East didn’t quit after it looked like momentum changed in the way of the Floyd Central JV in Tuesday’s season opener for the Olympians.
After the match was tied, East wouldn’t be denied as they controlled the last two sets to come away with a 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 25-23 victory over the Highlanders.
The Olympians have many new players to the volleyball team this season, but they didn’t look like newbies Tuesday.
“One thing I can say about this group, there is 13 of them, and they may not have the most experience, but the fight and chemistry they had is absolutely insane,” East coach Kailey Davidson said. “They’re eager to learn. They’re eager to win, and they said it from the jump (Monday) at the beginning of practice that they didn’t care who we played, they were going to fight, and they were going leave it out on the floor, and I think tonight really proved that.”
East junior libero Trevor Ernst is one of the most experienced players returning to the team. Even with a lot of teammates new to volleyball, the chemistry and communication was key to the victory.
“I’m super proud of these guys, and we’ve seen a lot of growth already in practice,” Ernst said. “Really from the beginning, these guys showed a lot of determination and grit, and I’m definitely blessed to be a part of this team.”
Kash Coers led the Olympians with 18 assists and five aces. David Sylva pounded seven kills, Eli Shafer had seven blocks and Jax Branaman notched four digs.
Also for East, Kamron Robertson and Jacob Thomas each tallied five kills, Matthew Muir had two blocks, Branaman recorded four digs and three aces, Coers added three digs and Robertson and Aiden Sorrells each served one ace.
The Olympians will be on the road for the next couple weeks and have close to two dozen matches still to play in a six-week timeframe. The next contest for East is Thursday at Perry Meridian.
“That first win, it is a big one. It gives us confidence,” Ernst said. “We know what we need to improve on still but it is a good place to start off this season.”
