<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Uu22Z_1H0Sm6WR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Uu22Z_1H0Sm6WR00" width="845" height="321" ></figure>CANFIELD, OH — Championship teams are often remembered for their biggest stars, but the road to greatness is paved by players who embrace their roles, deliver when their number is called, and provide the depth necessary to survive the toughest moments. For South Range junior Abby Lencyk, that commitment has made her an important part of a Raiders volleyball program enjoying the greatest season in school history.With South Range sitting at a perfect 27-0 and preparing for its first-ever appearance in the state Final Four, Lencyk has helped the Raiders accomplish something no previous volleyball team in school history has achieved. The junior middle and outside hitter has contributed to back-to-back Northeast 8 Conference championships, a district title, and a historic regional championship, all while continuing to develop into an important piece of the program’s future.Wearing No. 25 during the 2026 campaign, Lencyk has demonstrated the versatility necessary to contribute at multiple positions along the front row. Listed as both a middle hitter and outside hitter on MaxPreps, she brings an ability to attack from different spots on the court, challenge opposing hitters at the net, and apply pressure from behind the service line.For head coach TJ Irons, having players capable of contributing in several different ways has been an important part of South Range’s remarkable success. While senior standouts Anna Toy and Lily Weaver have provided much of the offensive firepower, Lencyk represents the depth that has allowed the Raiders to maintain their championship standard throughout a demanding schedule.Her journey to the state tournament began well before this season. As a sophomore in 2025, Lencyk wore No. 14 and became a productive contributor for a South Range team that was beginning to establish itself among the Northeast 8’s strongest programs.One of her most impressive performances came September 16, 2025, when the Raiders traveled to Poland for an important conference matchup.Facing a Bulldogs team determined to defend its home court, Lencyk delivered 10 kills on 22 attacks while committing just three hitting errors. Her .318 hitting percentage reflected an efficient offensive performance, helping South Range earn a four-set victory by scores of 25-17, 25-14, 13-25, and 25-21.The sophomore finished as South Range’s second-leading attacker behind Toy, who recorded 25 kills. Lencyk’s ability to provide another reliable scoring option helped the Raiders overcome Poland’s third-set rally and close out an important conference victory.The performance demonstrated her potential as an offensive weapon. Rather than relying entirely on its established stars, South Range was able to generate production from another front-row contributor, creating additional challenges for opposing defenses.Lencyk continued making her presence felt throughout the 2025 campaign. Against Ursuline on September 15, she recorded five kills and three total blocks during a competitive five-set contest. Although South Range came up short, Lencyk’s production demonstrated her ability to contribute defensively against quality competition.Her two solo blocks and one assisted block were particularly valuable in a match that required sustained effort at the net. For a developing middle hitter, the ability to read opposing attacks and time blocking attempts is an important part of becoming a complete player.Later that month, Lencyk delivered another strong all-around performance during South Range’s September 30 Senior Night victory over Struthers.The Raiders swept the Wildcats 25-13, 25-15, and 25-14, with Lencyk contributing six kills, one block, and a service ace.The performance helped South Range improve to 14-6 overall and 10-1 in Northeast 8 play, keeping the Raiders firmly in the conference championship race.Two days later, Lencyk made another important contribution as South Range secured a historic milestone.On October 2, 2025, the Raiders traveled to Niles and dominated the Dragons in straight sets, winning 25-9, 25-10, and 25-13.Lencyk delivered six service aces in the victory, repeatedly putting Niles under pressure and helping South Range maintain control throughout the match.The victory, combined with Lakeview’s loss to Hubbard, secured South Range’s first outright Northeast 8 Conference volleyball championship.For Lencyk, the moment represented an important accomplishment early in her varsity career. She had contributed offensively, defensively, and from the service line during a season that helped establish a new championship standard for the Raiders.Her serving had already become a valuable part of her game. Earlier that September, Lencyk recorded five aces in a straight-set victory over Niles, demonstrating an ability to score points without relying on attacking opportunities at the net.Those performances illustrated the variety of ways she could impact a match. Whether delivering kills, producing blocks, or putting opponents under pressure with aggressive serving, Lencyk was developing into a player capable of contributing in multiple phases of the game.That experience helped prepare her for the 2026 campaign, when South Range entered the season with high expectations and a roster loaded with experienced talent.The Raiders featured a senior class led by Toy, Weaver, Parker Zwingler, Haylie John, and Addison Freedy, while juniors such as Lencyk, Natalie Burnett, Jordyn Hivner, and Ava Burnett provided additional depth.The combination proved to be a winning formula. South Range opened the season with victory after victory, building an undefeated record while navigating a competitive Northeast 8 schedule and challenging nonconference opponents.With Toy and Weaver leading the attack, Zwingler and Natalie Burnett directing the offense, and John anchoring the defense, the Raiders developed into one of the area’s most complete teams.Lencyk’s role within that lineup has been to provide additional front-row production and contribute whenever the opportunity presents itself.One of her documented performances during the 2026 season came October 14, when South Range traveled to Boardman looking to complete an undefeated regular season.The Spartans provided a difficult challenge, particularly in the opening and closing sets, but South Range earned a 25-22, 25-15, 26-24 victory to finish the regular season with a perfect 22-0 record.Lencyk contributed five kills and a block in the victory, providing additional offensive production as the Raiders battled through a competitive matchup.Toy led the attack with 23 kills, while Weaver added nine. Zwingler distributed 23 assists, Natalie Burnett contributed 17 assists, and John collected 12 digs.The victory represented another important milestone for South Range, which completed the regular season without suffering a single defeat.For Lencyk, the accomplishment reflected the collective effort of a roster that had developed tremendous chemistry and an ability to respond when opponents challenged its unbeaten record.The Raiders carried that momentum into the Division V postseason, where they continued making history.South Range advanced through the early tournament rounds before defeating Coventry in straight sets on October 29 to capture its first district championship since 2015.The victory ended an 11-year district championship drought and sent the Raiders into regional competition with their perfect record intact.South Range then faced familiar Northeast 8 rival Lakeview in the regional semifinals on November 5.The Bulldogs entered the matchup having captured three consecutive district championships, but the Raiders once again demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion.South Range defeated Lakeview in four sets, winning 25-16, 25-21, 22-25, and 25-19 to advance to the regional championship.The victory improved the Raiders to 26-0 and set up a showdown against Orrville with a trip to the state tournament on the line.On November 7, South Range delivered one of the most memorable performances in program history.Facing an Orrville team determined to extend its own remarkable postseason run, the Raiders captured the opening two sets 25-18 and 25-21 before watching the Red Riders battle back.Orrville claimed the third set 25-21 and the fourth 25-19, forcing a decisive fifth set with the regional championship hanging in the balance.South Range responded with the toughness that had defined its undefeated season, surviving a dramatic final set 15-13 to capture the first regional championship in program history.Toy delivered a spectacular performance with 31 kills and 26 digs, while Weaver added 11 kills and 19 digs. Zwingler finished with 29 assists and reached 1,000 career assists, Natalie Burnett contributed 16 assists and 17 digs, and John anchored the back row with 31 digs.The victory sent South Range to the state semifinals for the first time, adding volleyball to the school’s list of team sports that have reached the state Final Four.For Lencyk, being part of that historic achievement represents another milestone in a varsity career that has already included multiple conference championships and a district title.While the postseason spotlight has naturally focused on South Range’s statistical leaders, the Raiders’ success has been built on an entire roster committed to the same goal.Players such as Lencyk have helped provide the depth necessary to compete throughout a demanding season, and their development will become even more important as the program prepares for the future.With five seniors scheduled to graduate following the 2026 season, South Range will eventually face the challenge of replacing a talented group responsible for much of its recent success.Lencyk will be among the returning players with valuable championship experience and an opportunity to assume additional responsibilities during her senior campaign in 2027.Her background at both middle hitter and outside hitter gives the Raiders flexibility as they prepare to rebuild their front-row rotation, while her experience competing alongside accomplished upperclassmen has provided a foundation for continued development.The junior has already demonstrated the ability to produce offensively in important conference matches, contribute at the net defensively, and create scoring opportunities from the service line.Those skills could become increasingly valuable as South Range looks to maintain the championship standard established during its historic run.But before turning the page to next season, Lencyk and the Raiders have an opportunity to accomplish something even greater.South Range will face Versailles in the Division V state semifinals on Friday, November 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Wittenberg University.The matchup represents another opportunity for the Raiders to extend their perfect season and move within one victory of playing for a state championship.For Lencyk, the opportunity to experience the state tournament as a junior is particularly valuable. Few players have the chance to compete on that stage, and the experience could help shape her development as she prepares for her final high school season.The Raiders have already accomplished more than any previous South Range volleyball team, but their journey isn’t finished.From the program’s first outright Northeast 8 championship in 2025 to an undefeated regular season, district championship, and historic regional title in 2026, Lencyk has been part of a remarkable transformation.Her contributions have come in different forms, from a 10-kill performance against Poland to a six-ace outing against Niles and important front-row production during the Raiders’ perfect regular season.Those moments may not always generate the biggest headlines, but they represent the kind of contributions that help championship programs succeed.At South Range, Abby Lencyk has spent her junior season learning what it takes to compete at the highest level of Ohio high school volleyball while helping the Raiders build a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.And with a state championship still within reach and another varsity season ahead, her opportunity to make an even bigger impact is only beginning.Presented By:<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/milTyCdsaR8?feature=oembed" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div></div></body>

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CANFIELD, OH — Championship teams are often remembered for their biggest stars, but the road to greatness is paved by players who embrace their roles, deliver when their number is called, and provide the depth necessary to survive the toughest moments. For South Range junior Abby Lencyk, that commitment has made her an important part of a Raiders volleyball program enjoying the greatest season in school history.

LENCYK LENDS A HELPING HAND

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CANFIELD, OH — Championship teams are often remembered for their biggest stars, but the road to greatness is paved by players who embrace their roles, deli

LENCYK LENDS A HELPING HAND

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