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Rebels hardly break a sweat

SALEM — As expected, the top-seeded and 18th-ranked Crestview volleyball team encountered little resistance during the first week of postseason play.

In a match that took just 49 minutes to complete, the Rebels breezed through 12th-seeded Campbell 25-8, 25-4, 25-4 in a Division III sectional final at Cabas Gymnasium.

“We worked really well together out there tonight,” Crestview sophomore Emily Emch said. “I was very happy with the amount of teamwork we showed. Everyone stepped up and played well.”

Crestview improves to 22-2 overall and secures a district semifinal matchup with third-seeded Lisbon (14-8) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Salem High School.

Lisbon beat Waterloo 21-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-20 in the other sectional final Thursday. The Rebels took care of Lisbon 26-24, 19-25, 25-20, 25-22 on September 6 at Lisbon. That match came nine days before the Blue Devils turned their season around with 12 wins in a row.

“That was very early in the season. I think both teams have changed a lot since then,” Crestview coach Alisha Auer said. “I haven’t seen them play since then, so we’re going to stay and watch them tonight.”

“I remember their middle and outside hitters were both really strong,” Emch said.

Points came easily the entire night for the Rebels, who trailed on just one occasion early in the third game.

Emch landed 12 kills to go with four aces, while Brenna Auer tallied 11 kills and three digs. Also for Crestview, Olivia Strank had 13 points, Kasey Landsberger 12 points and Anna Gorby 21 assists.

Auer said the team came out a little tight in Tuesday’s sectional opener, but said the Rebels played much more at ease Thursday.

“They looked much more relaxed tonight,” Auer said. “That’s why I choose to not take the bye because I like to get the extra court time so the players get more comfortable with the environment.”

Unlike last season, when the Rebels ran all the way to the district final as a six-seed, Crestview is the undisputed favorite in this years district tournament. It’s a label the team has no problem with.

“I don’t really see the difference,” Emch said. “We’re here to play our best and win no matter what.”

“I know if we play the way we’re capable of we should win,” Auer said. “We just have to stay focused.”

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