Elder wins 2010 volleyball state title

The Elder Panthers volleyball team wrapped up the school’s second state title in four straight championship match appearances last night in Centerville. The Panthers defeated the Moeller Crusaders in four games, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20 and 25-19.

“We were the early season favorite,” Elder head coach Sean Tierney said after the match. “And when we didn't perform to people's expectations, the kids really got down on themselves and to see them fight through that, learn a lot about themselves, learn to trust each other, and have confidence in each other, and just improve their play throughout the season, that's what makes this so satisfying.”

That’s Elder High School for you. The kids keep fighting, they never give up, they never quit, and in the end it paid off for the men wearing purple.

In 2007, 2009 and this year, it was an Elder vs Moeller matchup for the state title. In 2007 and 2009 Moeller came out on top, but this year it was Elder’s turn. Elder won the state title over GCL opponent St. Xavier in 2008.

In 2007, the Moeller Crusaders had arguably one of the best teams in state volleyball history. In front of a state record crowd in the Cincinnati State gymnasium, the Moeller Crusaders defeated Elder in five games. Moeller had very little competition all year except when they had to play Elder.

Last night was a very even matchup, and the games went back and forth with both sides showing moments of absolute dominance, and moments where their play lulled.

But in 2007 it was a heartbreaking loss for Elder. As I have stated numerous times before I sat on the end of the bench, tallying every hit, every set, every dig for the Panthers. Last night was almost a moment of redemption for the 2007 Elder team.

If you haven’t seen my story on FOX19’s website on Moeller volleyball, I suggest you check it out (http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=12536075). They are a lesser known dynasty in Cincinnati sports. Just don’t tell Tierney that. After shaking hands with Moeller last night Tierney walked across the net and told me, “How’s that for a dynasty?”

Without a doubt the Elder volleyball program is also a dynasty. Maybe they’ll get their story on the news next year. After four straight state title match appearances, I think the Panthers deserve a little air time. Even more than they’ve gotten this weekend.

Congratulations to Elder on another state title in volleyball. It was fun to watch and even more fun to report on. Hopefully next year is just the same.
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Elder and Moeller aren’t done facing one another this sports season though. The two schools will meet on Friday morning in Columbus in the baseball state semi-finals. More on this rivalry later.

Happy Memorial Day…Enjoy your time off folks.