Buckeye Battles Past North Olmsted in Four Sets

MEDINA, Ohio - Buckeye recovered from a narrow second-set loss to defeat North Olmsted High School 3-1 on Tuesday night at Buckeye High School Varsity Gymnasium. The Bucks won by set scores of 25-16, 24-26, 25-20 and 25-20, responding to the only setback of the match with two composed closing sets.

Buckeye established the early advantage with a nine-point win in the opening set. North Olmsted answered in the second, edging the Bucks 26-24 to even the match. Rather than allowing that result to shift the momentum, Buckeye regrouped and earned a 25-20 victory in the third set before carrying a 2-1 match lead into the fourth.

The Bucks received balanced production from their setters and attackers. Aurora Allen distributed 22 assists and added three block kills at the net. Willis contributed 13 assists, three aces and 14 digs, helping Buckeye generate offense while also providing steady back-row defense.

Outside hitter Erin Salazar led the attack with 13 kills and complemented that production with 17 digs. Libero Avery Lewandowski recorded 14 digs, three aces and 15 service points. Her serving and defensive work helped the Bucks maintain pressure through a match that became increasingly competitive after the opening set.

Buckeye faced its most important challenge late in the fourth set. North Olmsted put together a five-point run to pull within 23-20, creating an opportunity to extend the match. The Bucks answered with key defensive plays and forceful attacks from right-side hitter Erin, who helped secure the final two rallies for a 25-20 set victory.

The response after the second set, followed by the late stand in the fourth, allowed Buckeye to finish the league match with three set victories. The Bucks next travel to face Bay Middle School at 6 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.