SOUTH RANGE CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY

MEDINA, OH – The undefeated season rolls on for South Range, and the Raiders are now just one victory away from the state semifinals. Behind a monster 34-kill performance from Anna Toy and another dominant showing from Lily Weaver, South Range knocked off Lakeview in four sets Thursday night in the OHSAA Division IV volleyball regional semifinals, winning 25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19.

The victory kept South Range’s perfect season intact and moved the Raiders into Saturday’s regional championship matchup against Orrville, while ending an impressive postseason run for a Lakeview squad that refused to go down without a fight.

Toy was nearly unstoppable at the net, hammering home a match-high 34 kills while adding 13 digs for a double-double. The South Range standout consistently delivered in key moments, giving the Raiders an offensive weapon that Lakeview struggled to contain throughout the four-set battle.

Weaver was equally impressive, finishing with 20 kills and 16 digs to record a double-double of her own. The combination of Toy and Weaver accounted for 54 kills, providing South Range with a powerful one-two punch that proved too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.

Running the offense was Parker Zwingler, who dished out 37 assists while collecting 21 digs. Zwingler’s ability to distribute the ball and contribute defensively helped South Range maintain its offensive rhythm against a Lakeview team that continued to challenge the Raiders.

South Range established control early, taking the opening set 25-16 before holding off the Bulldogs 25-21 in the second. With their season on the line, Lakeview responded in the third set, battling its way to a 25-22 victory to extend the match and put pressure on the unbeaten Raiders.

The Bulldogs’ third-set victory showcased the resilience that helped them capture a third consecutive district championship and advance to the regional stage. Lakeview refused to surrender, forcing South Range to regroup and finish the job in the fourth.

The Raiders answered the challenge, closing out the match with a 25-19 victory in the fourth set to secure their spot in the regional championship.

Lakeview received a strong offensive performance from sophomore Leah Toth, who led the Bulldogs with 14 kills. Sophomore setter CeCe DeToro continued her impressive season by distributing 40 assists, helping Lakeview generate opportunities against South Range’s defense.

At the net, Anna Haynie was a major presence for the Bulldogs, recording eight blocks, while Annaliese DeJulio anchored the back row with 21 digs. Their efforts helped Lakeview remain competitive and push the Raiders into a fourth set.

The matchup brought together two of the area’s premier volleyball programs, both coming off district championship performances. South Range entered the regional tournament after sweeping Coventry to capture its first district title since 2015, while Lakeview advanced with a straight-set victory over Columbiana to claim its third consecutive district crown.

For Lakeview, the loss closes the book on another successful season that included a district championship and a trip to the regional semifinals. The Bulldogs once again established themselves among the area’s top programs, but South Range’s offensive firepower ultimately proved to be the difference.

For the Raiders, the stakes only continue to rise. South Range will face Orrville in the Division IV regional championship on Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at Barberton High School. Orrville advanced with a regional semifinal victory over Fairview, setting up a showdown with a trip to the state semifinals on the line.

With Toy and Weaver combining for 54 kills and Zwingler directing the offense, South Range heads into the regional final with momentum, confidence, and an unbeaten record still intact.

The Raiders have already made history with their first district championship in more than a decade. Now, they’re one win away from adding a regional title to an unforgettable season.

SOUTH RANGE CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY

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