Eagles surge over Central

PERRYSBURG, Ohio - Notre Dame wasn't going down without a fight.

Even though the Eagles volleyball team was down 2-0 in games to the same Central Catholic team that had beaten them in the City League semifinals, it didn't matter.

NDA still came back.

The Eagles ended up winning in five games, 22-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-23, 15-12.

Leading the way was senior Paige Roback, who not only besieged the Irish with an attack of 33 kills, but dove all over the court for 18 digs. Meanwhile, teammate Meghan Smyth also had a big day with 15 kills.

Notre Dame advances to the district championship where they'll face City League champion St. Ursula. The Lady Arrows swept through Northview in the second game of the doublehead at Perrysburg 25-20, 25-12, 25-10.

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In boys soccer, St. Francis outlasted Northview 2-1 in double overtime. It was a spirited match, with the Wildcats striking first. Josh Watkins sent a looping kick from midfield that bounced past the goalie. Knight fans thought there was some goalie interference, but there was no changing the call.

Controversy surrounded the second goal too, this time benefitting St. Francis. Matt Essig was tackled in front of his own goal, and on replay the ball wasn't touched and it did look like arms were used in the tackling. However, no call was made, and Connor Edgeforth took full advantage with the tying goal with about 2:15 left in the first half. Tempers rose to such extremes that one of the Wildcats was handed a red card after loudly voicing his displeasure at the non-call at the referee.

The winning goal came down to a header by Tyler Graham in overtime, and with that St. Francis advanced to the district championship, where they'll play rival St. John's, a 2-0 winner over Southview.

Other scores from Tuesday night's playoff action:

DIVISION 1 BOYS SOCCER DIST. SEMIFINAL

Anthony Wayne 2, Perrysburg 1

DIVISION IV VOLLEYBALL DISTRICT SEMIFINAL

Tiffin Calvert def. Wynford 25-18, 25-21, 25-22

Hopewell-Loudon def. Riverdale 25-12, 25-15, 25-20