VANDALIA — The Russia Raiders’ historic first trip to the state volleyball tournament ended Thursday night with a hard-fought sweep loss to Monroeville in the Division 7 semifinals at Vandalia Butler High School.

The Raiders came out strong in the opening set, rallying behind Ava Gibson’s serve to score six unanswered points and take a 19–16 lead. Celeste Borchers added a timely kill to make it 24–20, but Monroeville stormed back to take the set 26–24.

Freshman Ruby Francis gave Russia a spark at the net in the second set with a key block, followed by a kill from Hazel Francis to pull the Raiders within one. Despite the late push, the Eagles held on 25–23 to go up two sets.

With their season on the line, Russia fought back in the third set. Violet Armstrong and Izzi Chapman each delivered aces as the Raiders built a 12–6 advantage. Aryana Cordonnier extended the match with a clutch kill on match point, but Monroeville regained control and sealed the sweep, winning 26–24, 25–23, and 25–20.

Russia finishes its historic season as a Division 7 state semifinalist, marking the program’s first-ever appearance on the state stage.

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