FAIRBORN — For the second consecutive year, the Roger Bacon Spartans fell short, losing to Galion 15-11, 17-15, in the Division II state volleyball championship at Wright State University's Nutter Center.

        Down 14-6 in the second game, the Spartans scored nine unanswered points to take a 15-14 advantage. The Tigers rallied, however, to successfully defend their title.

        “I don't know if we would have won if it had gone to a third game,” Galion coach Jill Wilt said. “Danielle (Holt) was sick. During a time out, she told everyone she didn't know how long she could continue.”

        Holt, a 6-foot junior hitter and first-team all-state selection, dominated in the first game but became less effective as the second game wore on.

        “I was all right in the beginning,” Holt said. “But I roomed with a girl who had the flu and I started to feel sick in the second game.”

        Losing a second time to Galion was tough for Spartans coach Caryl Schawe and the players.

        “When we were down 14-6, everyone dug a little deeper and didn't let down,” said Spartans sophomore setter Emily Withers. “It's always tough losing but more so because of the comeback.”

        Although Roger Bacon starts five sophomores and a junior, the Spartans didn't appear nervous. They took a 3-1 lead before Holt, who registered a match high 11 kills for points, took over.

        The Spartans scored the first three points of the second game, but Holt and hitter Kristin Fox stepped up and suddenly the score was 14-6 with the Galion fans on their feet, cheering.

        During the 9-0 run, Roger Bacon fought off three match points. Bacon was serving for the game, but Fox made a block of an attempted kill to give Galion side-out.

        Fox followed with a kill to tie the game at 15-15. Then Allison Barnes blocked a shot for a 16-15 lead. When Mary Brunner's kill attempt was wide, the Galion players broke into a wild celebration.

        “It's always tough losing,” Schawe said. “We made a hectic run and came a long way this season. Where we stood in the beginning and where we are right now is encouraging.”

        Withers led Roger Bacon with 22 assists, 3 digs and eight kills with teammate Mary Brunner registering 10 kills. Holt was outstanding for Galion. She had 11 kills, one assist and 14 digs.

        Roger Bacon lost to Galion in three games last year. It was the Spartans' third appearance in the state final four.

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