Milford at Turpin ECC Battle Takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The battles between the top six, seven teams in the East Cincinnati Conference simply comes down to the team that withstands challenges and executes all over the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Turpin Spartans find themselves still alive for the ECC crown coming into Tuesday's home game against Milford just one game back of Kings and Loveland at 9-2 in ECC and 9-4 overall. Turpin kept the pressure on both by taking care of business against Milford in a 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21) victory. The Eagles (7-6, 6-6) are hoping to build momentum in the second half of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Ever since the Kings match, we've been hit or miss a little bit," Turpin head coach Yoon Ha said. "I don't know if they're hung over from it. We had Homecoming and then (Tuesday was) Teachers Night so there's a lot of emotions running. It's not the effort we lacked. It wasn't the prettiest match. It was more our execution. But I'm proud of what they did because we've had a couple matches like that this year. That's not something they would have done last year."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have nice size and stout defenses. This game came down to the team that controlled the net better and minimized mistakes. Both have sound senior liberos in [player_tooltip player_id='403524' first='Mallory' last='Thorn'] for Turpin and [player_tooltip player_id='195210' first='Rachel' last='Morgan'] for Milford. Milford entered the game with a 1.81 team passing average on a three-point scale. Morgan and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='743072' first='Camryn' last='Harris'] lead the way there with 1.99 and 1.92 averages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams took their big swings. Milford sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='582228' first='Lauren' last='Williams'] had a lot of luck running the quicks and [player_tooltip player_id='548947' first='Abigayle' last='Grace Hamm'] had some nice shots from the pins and middle. Even freshmen Piper McCormick and [player_tooltip player_id='774812' first='Lydia' last='Berube'] had some big hits. However, Turpin won more of those net battles with the dynamic senior duo of [player_tooltip player_id='828235' first='Grace' last='Herzog'] and [player_tooltip player_id='227798' first='Maddie' last='Steele']. Freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774796' first='Alana' last='Michaelis'] also had some nice swings, but also made a difference with her serving. Senior Lily Woolums quarterbacked the offense for Turpin with [player_tooltip player_id='500238' first='Kylee' last='Triska'] and [player_tooltip player_id='765288' first='Micaela' last='Jordan Davis'] running it for Milford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milford won the first set capitalizing on six Turpin service errors and numerous hitting errors. The Eagles led 11-5 after a Morgan ace then 16-9 when junior Kate Dalen blocked one. The Spartans ran off five in a row prompting a Milford timeout. They cut the lead to one three times including 23-22 before a Turpin rotation error and Hamm kill gave the Eagles the set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next three sets saw the Spartans get into a better rhythm. They grabbed the lead for good in the second set on a Steele kill. Turpin led 24-15 before Milford made things interesting scoring six in a row, but Herzog responded with a slide kill to even things up 1-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third set started with Milford leading 6-3, but Turpin rallied and went up 12-9 on three straight Milford errors. The Eagles stayed close cutting the margin to 20-19 before a Michaelis kill and Thorn ace put the Spartans up 22-19. Michaelis ended that set with a kill and ace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milford led most of the start of the fourth set. The Eagles grabbed a 17-13 advantage after a Michaela Jordan Davis ace. However, Turpin rallied and tied it at 17. The teams traded points back and forth until Herzog landed another slide and Milford hit one into the net to give Turpin a 22-20 advantage. Following a [player_tooltip player_id='827434' first='Molly' last='Obermeyer'] kill, Turpin finished the game with Steele and [player_tooltip player_id='815864' first='Lila' last='Wickman'] kills and a Herzog ace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams return to action Thursday. Turpin travels to Anderson and Milford hosts Winton Woods.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performances</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["844730"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d374442300e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duermit (pictured) gives the Spartans a solid threat on the right side with unique angles with her left-handed swings. Duermit's crosses found holes when executed well. She takes a great four-step approach to the net and puts great power into balls. Duermit helps give invaluable balance to Turpin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403521"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":888804,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d3760c688c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Herzog made a number of big plays at the net. She forms good double blocks with teammates and consistently gets touches on balls. Herzog generally makes a lot of big kills with ones in the middle. But in this game, Herzog executed the slide plays really well to throw off the talented Milford back court. Herzog said the Spartans are fighting for the same goals so that keeps them connected and playing well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774796"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":888809,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d3760c68975"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michaelis played at a high-tempo club team and it has carried over well to the varsity team for Turpin. Michaelis took a good amount of big cuts from the outside. However, she also made a huge difference with her serving. She fooled the experienced Milford back court a couple times landing balls near the lines for huge aces. Michaelis can hit balls off blocks and take various cuts to make opponents defend various parts of the court as opposed to being able to focus on one specific area. Michaelis said keeping Milford out of system was key because the Eagles are a strong passing team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227798"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":889025,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d453816f062"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steele put together another sound all-around game for the Spartans. Steele had some key diving saves and more quality rips from the outside. Steele makes good in-air if not pre-approach adjustments before taking those rips after reading opposing blocking and defensive schemes. Steele said Milford is tough to play because of the good blockers and defenders. Steele added her teammates go a good job communicating. Steele said she comes back to successful hits until they no longer work, adding hitters can't be afraid to try new things.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":888815,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Piper McCormick","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Milford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Cincy East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d379801a092"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCormick has a bright future in front of her. She has a quick arm swing and places balls well to various parts of the court. McCormick had some big kills and blocks later in the game. McCormick is not afraid to use her off (left) hand to put balls down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743072"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d456b9dd495"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris made her usual consistent first passes, squaring her arms up well for the two to three-point passes. Harris works well with teammates in the back row. Harris made some crazy one-armed saves in the loss. Harris had a number of sound jump serves in the loss and displays great enthusiasm on the court. Harris did not take swings from the back row during club season, but the Milford staff has cut her loose there and she executes them well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stat Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hitting</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227798' first='Maddie' last='Steele'], Turpin - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='403521' first='Grace' last='Herzog'], Turpin - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774812' first='Lydia' last='Berube'], Milford - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827434' first='Molly' last='Obermeyer'], Milford - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='844730' first='Taylor' last='Duermit'], Turpin - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774796' first='Alana' last='Michaelis'], Turpin - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='582228' first='Lauren' last='Williams'], Milford - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Setting</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='759635' first='Lilly' last='Woolums'], Turpin - 35</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='500238' first='Kylee' last='Triska'], Milford - 15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765288' first='Micaela' last='Jordan Davis'], Milford - 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='195210' first='Rachel' last='Morgan'], Milford - 25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='403524' first='Mallory' last='Thorn'], Turpin - 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743072' first='Camryn' last='Harris'], Milford - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805042' first='Carmen' last='Helgason'], Turpin - 12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steele - 12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michaelis - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='500246' first='Sophia' last='Rawlins'], Milford - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woolums - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michaelis - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helgason - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steele - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thorn - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woolums - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herzog - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woolums - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='815864' first='Lila' last='Wickman'], Turpin - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->