Central Ohio Volleyball Programs Fall Short in OHSAA State Semifinals
Hudson, Moeller, Fenwick, and St. Vincent-St. Mary advance to championship matches scheduled for May 30 at Wittenberg University.
Three central Ohio high school boys volleyball programs saw their state tournament campaigns conclude on May 29 following defeats in the OHSAA state semifinals at Wittenberg University. Olentangy Berlin, Thomas Worthington, and St. Charles were eliminated from contention, with Hudson, Moeller, Fenwick, and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary advancing to the respective Division I and II finals.
In the Division I bracket, Olentangy Berlin, competing in its first state tournament appearance, fell to Hudson 3-0. The Bears (21-6) overcame a 5-1 deficit in the opening set to take an early lead, but the Explorers (21-5) rallied to win the set 31-29. Hudson controlled the subsequent sets 25-16 and 25-15 to secure the sweep. Jett Boyce led Berlin with 31 assists, seven digs, and two blocks, while Kushal Patyam contributed 11 kills. Hudson, which lost in the 2023 semifinals, now seeks its first OHSAA state title.
Thomas Worthington also exited the Division I semifinals in a five-set contest against Moeller. The Cardinals (23-4) lost 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 15-10 to the Crusaders (21-4). Thomas mounted several comebacks, including a 19-13 lead in the second set and a 20-19 advantage in the fifth set, but Moeller never trailed in the deciding frame. Alex Ondo led the Cardinals with 41 assists, and Curt Buddie recorded 21 kills.
In the Division II semifinal, St. Charles was defeated by Fenwick 3-0. The Saints (22-5) showed competitiveness in the first set, erasing a 9-6 deficit to lead 11-10, but Fenwick (21-6) maintained control thereafter, winning the sets 25-21, 25-18, and 25-16. Charlie Koesters led St. Charles with 14 assists, five digs, and three kills. Fenwick will face Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Division II final.
The championship matches are scheduled for May 30 at Wittenberg University. Hudson and Moeller will contest the Division I title at 1 p.m., while Fenwick and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary will play for the Division II crown at 4 p.m.
