T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY UNION LOCAL'S Reagan Vinskovich goes up to hit as a pair of Tusky Valley players attempt to block during their Division III district championship match Saturday at Tusky Valley High School in Zoar.

ZOAR — Union Local made a living most of the volleyball season by simply overpowering opponents with its hitting.

Whether it was sophomore Torre Kildow, senior Casey Kildow or sophomore Reagan Vinskovich, the Jets brought the thunder when they hit.

They brought it again on Saturday, but Tusky Valley was able to consistently dig the ball to turn the tables on the Jets more often than not, which led to a Trojans sweep, 25-22, 25-16 and 25-23 in the Division III Eastern District championship game.

“We hit the ball well, but they got under them and kept it off the floor, which was the name of the game,” UL head coach Kaye Sechrest said. “Tusky Valley did a great job and deserves a lot of credit.”

The Jets, meanwhile, had no answer on the other side of the net for Tusky Valley senior Arora Levengood, who had 17 kills. However, it was the 20 digs she produced that was the difference.

“Levengood is a good player,” Sechrest noted. “I think she’s their best player. Torre hit the ball at her and she dug it out.”

The first and third sets were both back-and-forth affairs. Union Local had the final set knotted at 23 before the Trojans closed it out. Levengood had a kill to end it. Junior Taylor West, who stands 6-3, was also a factor at the net and had 11 kills. She was a big in neutralizing Vinskovich’s usual height advantage.

“Tusky Valley is tough and they know the feeling and what it takes because they’ve gone to the state and onto the regionals,” Sechrest said. “Our girls played their hearts out, but sometimes you just come up against a team that has your number. We knew coming in how good Tusky Valley was.”

Union Local closes the season at 22-2 and repeated as Buckeye 8 champions.

“It’s been a nice ride because the girls have been great,” Sechrest said. “I can’t say enough about our seniors.”

On the stat sheet, the Jets were led by Torre Kildow’s 10 kills and nine digs. Casey Kildow had seven kills, 11 assists and 13 digs. Vinskovich had four kills, two blocks and nine digs.

While the Jets return a solid collection of players for next season, replacing Casey Kildow, Lacy Bilyeu, Chloe Doud and Haley Smith will be no easy task.

“These seniors are just great girls,” Sechrest said. “They’re a tough loss and going to be tough to replace.”