Jay Co. spikers are the real deal

I missed it.
A week ago, I saw the Jay County High School volleyball team play for the first time this season. The Patriots rallied from a two-games-to-one deficit to beat the Indians. It was an impressive effort, not only in the ability to come back, but in the overall level of play.
A day later I talked with sports editor Chris Schanz about the JCHS squad being ready to put a scare into, if not beat, a traditional Delaware County power or one of the other state-ranked teams on their schedule.
I shared the same thought with Jay County assistant athletics director James Myers while we were watching the boys soccer team play Thursday evening. But after leaving the soccer game, I headed home to eat dinner instead of going inside to the gym.
That was a mistake.
The Patriots came roaring back again that night, this time from down two games to one and 24-20 in the fourth game. They scored six straight points to force a fifth and deciding game, and stunned the Class 3A No. 7 Wapahani Raiders 25-23, 24-26, 18-25, 26-24, 15-13.
“We just regrouped. it was the same position we were in at Fort Recovery,” said JCHS junior Abby Wendel during practice Monday. “We came back and won it, so we could do it again.”
For those who may not follow the state volleyball scene, Wapahani is a traditional powerhouse. The Raiders won Class 2A state titles in 2011 and ’12 before bumping up to Class 3A last season and falling in the sectional to another Delaware County behemoth — Delta.
So beating them, especially after getting dispatched in three quick games last season, was something of a milestone.
“It meant a lot,” said Jay County senior Bre McIntire, who served the final six points of the game-four comeback. “To actually finally knock them off was really exciting.”
And it wasn’t just the victories for the Patriots, but the fashion in which they topped Fort Recovery and Wapahani that marked a turning point. Both matches went five games, and four of the five games against the Raiders were decided by just two points.
“Last year we struggled with getting into those tight, close matches, and just not being able to come out on top,” McIntire said. “This year, we’re just a lot better at that.
“Some of it is just experience … people being familiar and knowing what it takes when you step onto the varsity court, knowing what you have to do and what your job is.”
The Patriots had been working their way toward such a win for several seasons.
The team has been young, graduating just one senior — Hannah Ainsworth — two years ago and none in June. They won 18 matches last season, but were still looking for that signature victory.
“It’s kind of like a stepping process, a building process,” said JCHS coach Fred Medler. “I think as much as anything, they were believing in themselves, but that really made them believe in themselves.
“It’s one of those steps we needed to take. For this bunch, it’s huge.”
The Patriots are already halfway to their win total from last season with a 9-1 record. They’ve won a pair of invitational tournaments, on their home floor and at Heritage.
Their only loss came against Class 3A No. 1 Delta. And that was with sophomore setter Lizzy Schoenlein on the bench because of an ankle injury.
Jay County has big goals for the rest of the season, including reaching the 20-win mark and its first sectional title in more than a decade. The girls have even started to think about what could be possible in the regional tournament and beyond.
Those goals are all attainable, because this team is for real.
With a lot of their action on the court coming in weekend tournaments, the Patriots won’t play on their home floor often this year. But they have five home dates left, including Thursday against new conference rival Woodlan.
Stop in and see them play.
I know the next time I have the choice, I’ll be headed to the gym. Dinner can wait.