Photo/KRISTIN MAZGAJ ST. CLAIRSVILLE’S Lauren Wasemann goes up for a block as River View’s Ashlyn Bible hits during Wednesday’s Division II sectional match on John Jenkins Court.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — In a tightly contested match, oftentimes it simply boils down to the little things.

Wednesday evening’s Division II sectional co-final on John Jenkins Court inside St. Clairsville High School was a prime example.

The Red Devils simply couldn’t overcome a handful of hitting and service errors as the Black Bears pulled out a 25-20, 25-18 and 25-21 straight set victory to advance to next week’s district tournament at Dover.

“Against a very competitive team, you just can’t make those little mistakes,” St. C. head coach Christa Truchan said. “We talked in the locker room that little mistakes add up to be very big mistakes, especially in the tournament. We need to get stronger in that area.”

A competitive and entertaining match throughout, the Red Devils simply couldn’t get over the hump.

They led early in each of the three sets, but once River View made a run, the Red Devils were never able to regain the lead. They did pull even on a handful of occasions, but one of those aforementioned errors normally reared their ugly heads.

“We were always just trailing by a little bit it seemed,” Truchan said. “I am proud of the girls because they didn’t let (River View) get in their heads.”

St. Clairsville was led on the stat sheet by junior hitter Alexis Thoburn, who had 12 kills. Junior Shae Brookover added 24 assists, two aces and five digs. Junior Ella Brak chipped in with 15 digs.

Sophomore Abby Salisbury added 13 digs, while classmate Katlyn Gray had five blocks. Junior Lydia Wees notched seven kills.

Though the Red Devils season ends with an 11-11 record, Truchan considered the season a success. Obviously dealing with the pandemic, which actually cost St. C. a player against the Bears because of quarantine played a role, but also the fact that a relatively youthful squad made strides throughout the season and finished with a .500 record.

“We only have one senior (Zoie Zielinski) and she provided tremendous leadership, which we will need to replace, but we played two freshmen, two sophomores and several juniors,” Truchan said. “I honestly never thought I’d be making that final speech of the season. We had major emotional rollercoasters, but I am so happy that

After a relatively slow start to the season, the Red Devils turned it on in the second half, which is something Truchan hopes to build on for 2021.

“Sometimes when you hit a major low it turns into a major turning point and these girls really came on strong i n the second half of the season,” Truchan said. “We beat Brooke. We beat Indian Creek and we gained some confidence to the point where I think the girls understand their talent and realize the level at which they can play.”