The fourth set was a barnburner, as neither team could build more than a one-point lead down the stretch. Badin had match points at 24-23 and 26-25, but couldn’t convert. Carroll had set points at 27-26 and 28-27, on the verge of forcing a fifth set, but Badin kept getting side outs.
Finally Badin ran off three straight points, winning the fourth set 30-28 and laying claim to the Division II state championship.
It was the first state final appearance for both teams, according to Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association records.
Carroll junior middle blocker Reese Monnin was named first-team all-state Sunday, and his teammate Andrew Saraga, a senior libero, made honorable mention. Badin senior outside hitter Eli Halverson also made first team, while Rams sophomore setter Jordan Brockman was second team all-state.
In Saturday’s semifinals, Carroll swept Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21. Badin also swept their semifinal against Columbus St. Francis DeSales.
Division I tournament
Beavercreek and Centerville both reached the state semifinals, but lost Sunday to powerhouses from Cincinnati’s Greater Catholic League South Division.
Beavercreek lost a five-set overtime heartbreaker to 2021 state champion Moeller, falling 26-28, 25-21, 19-25, 25-12, 16-14.
Beavercreek senior outside hitter Josh Culpepper, who last week was named West Regional player of the year, also made the all-state first team Sunday. Beavercreek junior setter Collin Brown made honorable mention all-state.
Centerville struggled Sunday against 2021 state runner-up Elder, falling in straight sets, 25-5, 25-15, 25-17. Elks senior middle blocker/outside hitter Aidan Buirley was named first-team all-state, with teammate Corey Holbrook, a senior outside hitter, making honorable mention.
In Saturday’s state quarterfinals, Centerville beat Cleveland St. Ignatius, three sets to one — 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-15 — and Beavercreek swept Hudson in three sets, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22.
Elder and Moeller played in the Division I state final later Sunday.
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