Shenandoah Zeps Volleyball Stuns Top-Seeded Highland Hawks to Advance to Regionals
Justin Carpenter
In a stunning display of preparedness and poise, the Shenandoah Zeps volleyball team delivered a decisive upset this past Wednesday, toppling the top-seeded Highland Hawks in straight sets (25-17, 25-22, 25-9) in a Division 6 District Final game in Berlin, Ohio. The victory, built on a complete team effort and a standout performance from Brenna Leach, propels the Zeps to a 21-4 record and into the regional round of the 2025 OHSAA Ohio State Tournament.
Facing a daunting opponent with a 23-1 record on their home court, the Zeps were undeterred. The first set was a tightly contested battle that swung back and forth, yet the Zeps looked prepared for the moment, perhaps having learned crucial lessons from a short losing streak at the end of the regular season. That introspection paid off, as they secured the set and carried the momentum into an even closer second frame. After surviving the nail-biting 25-22 second-set win, the Zeps left the home crowd in stunned silence with a dominant third-set performance, holding the powerful Hawks to a mere 9 points.
The win was a testament to a total team effort. Budding local star Brenna Leach turned in another typical, yet extraordinary, performance, notching 16 kills, 3 blocks, and 20 digs. She was far from alone on the stat sheet, however. Alyssa Crum had a standout all-around game with 2 aces, 13 points, 7 kills, 28 digs, and 9 blocks. Shayla Holcomb was a force from the service line and on defense, contributing 3 aces, 21 points, and 24 digs. The setting duties were expertly handled by freshman star on the rise Emma Dailey, who tallied 13 assists, 14 digs, 3 points, and 2 kills. Addy Harbaugh (4 kills, 2 blocks), Josie Hooks (5 digs), and Liberty McKee (2 points) all provided crucial contributions to the historic victory.
The triumph is a hallmark of the program that Head Coach Megan Grywalski has built. Reflecting on where her team stands before the regional tournament, Grywalski said, “I think we’ve already had to overcome challenges this year. We’ve had to battle in a lot of 4 and 5 sets matches which is the point of planning a tough schedule. All season we work to get to this point where every team is tough. The girls have been playing with a lot of energy and control. They’ve been extremely coachable when it comes to game planning what will make a difference with each opponent and by following through with that game plan.” Although this year’s specific tournament run is not documented in the provided search results, Coach Grywalski has a proven track record of success, having previously been named District 12, Division IV Co-Coach of the Year and leading her teams to sectional crowns and deep tournament runs. Her philosophy of developing mental toughness and forging strong team chemistry was on full display against the Hawks, as the team appeared unfazed by the high-pressure environment and the pedigree of their opponent.
The Zeps’ reward for their stunning victory is a date with another volleyball powerhouse. They now advance to face the undefeated Newark Catholic Green Wave (23-0), who are ranked 3rd in Division 6 and 22nd in Ohio. The Zeps, holding a 21-4 record and ranked 7th in the division, will once again embrace the underdog role when they take the court this Wednesday at 8 p.m. on a neutral floor in Zanesville. Led by standouts Leah Caudill, Sophia Anshan, and Natalie Harrington, the Green Wave represent a steep challenge. However, armed with newfound confidence and a balanced
