LIMA — In a five-set battle at Lappin Gymnasium, Defiance edged Elida to advance in the Division III sectional finals.

Both teams traded momentum throughout the night. Elida struck first behind Kendyll Sturgeon’s early point and Tilly Henderson’s finesse play at the net. Defiance responded as Isabella Rowlison powered home a cross-court kill and Jaida Alvarez capped a long rally with a back-corner winner.

Elida’s Addy Sneary and Defiance’s Kamryn Frederick each came up with key defensive plays late, but it was the Blue Bulldogs who pulled through in the decisive fifth set, taking it 15-7 for the 3-2 victory.

Defiance moves on to face Shawnee on Monday at Liberty-Benton.

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