Perrysburg advances easily into second round

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PERRYSBURG – Perrysburg’s volleyball team already has the district championship match circled on its
schedule.
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Even though they’re already looking ahead to a possible rematch with arch-rival and top-ranked Toledo St.
Ursula, the Yellow Jackets aren’t forgetting about the present.
Perrysburg has three matches to win before the district final on Oct. 25 becomes a reality.
The Yellow Jackets easily won the first Thursday, posting a 25-6, 25-9, 25-6 win over Mansfield Senior in
a Division I first-round match.
They played well offensively and defensively to advance to the quarterfinals Saturday night at 6 against
Northern Lakes League rival Southview, back on Perrysburg’s home field.
Perrysburg, ranked 12th in Division I, is 20-3 overall.  
"Our goal was to play to win and not go through the motions," Perrysburg senior Mackenzie
Pohlman said. "We’re happy with the result and how we played."
Pohlman, a middle hitter, is one of four returning letter winners from last season when Perrysburg
finished 23-3 overall and lost in the district final St. Ursula.
St. Ursula lost in the state championship match last season and is undefeated this season.
The Arrows posted a three-set win over Lima Senior in their first-round match.
"Every game counts," Pohlman said. "It’s another day to get better. It doesn’t matter who
is on the on the other side of the net. We’re going out there to play our best, no matter who it
is."
Pohlman and classmate Audra Appold, an Ohio State recruit, each had 11 kills. Junior Lauren Smith had 28
assists and nine aces. The aces were a school record.
The Yellow Jackets were rarely tested defensively.
Perrysburg scored the first 11 points of the match and never trailed in the final two sets, building
quick leads of 7-1 in the second set and 8-0 in the third set.
"We’re taking it a day at a time," Perrysburg coach Jamie Babcock said. "We really enjoy
our time together, so we’re not trying to rush it or look ahead. We have to take care of business day by
day, practice by practice and game by game.
Perrysburg is adjusting to the loss of senior outside hitter Savannah Miller, who had season-ending
shoulder surgery earlier this week.
Appold leads the team with 255 kills, while Miller was next with 200.
‘We take it game by game and (coach Babcock) does an awesome job in practice of keeping our heads on
straight," Pohlman said.
Pohlman, senior Shannon Fastnacht and sophomore Shelby Fulmer are being counted on to replace Miller’s
offense. Fulmer was brought up from the junior varsity team.
"We need players to step up and fill the void," Babcock said.
Perrysburg has beaten Southview twice this season, once in three sets and once in four sets.
The Yellow Jackets lost in three sets at St. Ursula on Aug. 25.
"(The St. Ursula) match is looming, and we know if we take it day by day, step by step, and play our
game, that’s all we can do," Pohlman said. "If we don’t do that, it may not happen."

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