SHELBY — Shelby volleyball coach Katelyn Olewiler has her team practice 20 serves every session.
The consistent drill may have helped the Whippets make history Saturday afternoon.
Two-days removed from a three-set rally to knock off Highland, Shelby powered past Lakeview 3-1 during Saturday’s Division IV regional final at Lexington High School.
Senior Lexi Mohn, who served several aces during the title match, said daily serving drills have helped her prepare for big moments.
“I’ve been really focusing on hitting my spots and making sure I’m getting consistent,” she said. “The whole team has become more consistent because of that drill. It’s been really good for us in these situations.”
Mohn’s coach said the senior has an aggressive serve.
“We understand that comes with some errors at times, but when she’s on a roll and she’s comfortable back there, she’s pretty tough to stop from the service line,” Olewiler said.
Consistency will be key for the Whippets when they face Marlington at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in a Division IV state semifinal at Butler High School — just outside of Dayton.
Marlington defeated Holy Name 3-1 on Saturday to return to the state tournament for the second consecutive season.
Final Four bid ‘is just insane’
Saturday’s win earned Shelby its third-ever Final Four appearance — the first since 1990 and 1987 prior to that.
In 1987, the Whippets were undefeated before losing to Akron Hoban in the AA semifinals 2-1 to finish the season with a 27-1 record.
Three years later, Shelby fell again to Hoban 2-0 in the Division II semifinals to finish at 21-7. Also that year, fellow Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference foe River Valley finished as state runner-up.
After dropping the first set of the match 25-16 to Lakeview, the Whippets won the next three sets, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-18.
“I knew that we had potential, but this is just insane,” Mohn said. “I can’t believe it.”
Now a permanent part of the program’s history, Mohn said she hopes Saturday’s win can inspire future Whippet volleyball teams.
“I’m so glad to be a part of this program right now, so we can set an example for everybody behind us that it is possible to do,” she said.
Gallery: Shelby beats Lakeview for Div. IV regional title
Play your game
After Olewiler was stormed with hugs from players, family and friends, she told reporters her team is deserving of what its earned this season.
“These girls are so hard-working and so deserving,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. It’s just a direct result of all their hard work this year.”
After beginning the match a bit cold, the Whippets needed to settle into their rhythm, Olewiler said of the first set.
“I think there were just some of those jitters at first,” she said. “But once we worked through that, they played Shelby volleyball and when they play their game they’re pretty unstoppable.”
