Loramie comes up aces in sectional win
Bradford sectional runners-up
By George Starks

TIPP CITY- Bradford volleyball coach Jamie Hocker was as happy as a lark going into the Roaders sectional title game Monday with Ft. Loramie.

Bradford was coming off a huge victory over Ansonia in its previous sectional match.

It was a match the Roaders won in five games but earlier in the season, the Tigers beat Bradford, making the victory over Ansonia even sweeter.

Seeded 12th, Bradford was going up against the top seed and was looking to become giant killers as the Redskins were coming in with a 20-4 record.

In the end, Loramie was just too much for Bradford as the Redskins rolled in three games, 25-7, 25-13, 25-5, making the Railroaders sectional runners-up.

“Loramie was much bigger and more powerful at the net and we couldn’t contend with that,” said Hocker. “We played with a lot of heart but we weren’t scrappy like I wanted them to be. “

If intimidation played a factor in Bradford’s play, it was for good reason.

“When you see girls killing balls from the ten foot line, you can get a little timid,” said Hocker. “I’ll admit it; I was intimidated by watching them warm-up. When you see them jumping and their elbows are over the top of the net, it’s intimidating.”

The Redskins took early leads in all three games and never looked back.

In the three games, Ft. Loramie outscored Bradford 25-8 points per game average with 13 points being the most the Roaders could get against the Shelby County powerhouse.

Of the 75 total points scored by the Redskins, 15 came off aces with Bradford claiming only three on the night.

With seven juniors returning next season, Hocker is optimistic about the 2014 season.

“I think the girls will build off this season and this match,” said Hocker. “We leave here learning that we can compete with the best out there. We just need to take our game to the next level. I take this loss to heart because I love this game so much. I played as a student and it’s a game I just love. I think we can build off this and get better.”

With the season ending loss, the Roaders finish with a 7-14 record.