WESTLAKE, Ohio (Sept. 6, 2024) -- The Pirates earned a Cleveland West Conference win in thrilling fashion Thursday. Rocky River and Westlake traded close scores in the middle sets of what would be a four-game match, and the Pirates prevailed 3-1 to remain unbeaten.

Rocky River (4-0, 4-0 CWC) and Westlake (6-2, 2-2) fought through long volleys in the tussle at Westlake High School. In a match that included no less than 115 combined digs, the Pirates defeated the Demons 25-18, 20-25, 25-21, 25-18.

The Buccaneers swung their way to a robust .462 attack percentage in the opening frame. Westlake registered four total blocks in battling back in the second set. Both sides then had 17 digs in a cards-on-the-table, 46-point third. River hit .314 and had 22 digs in finishing off the technical knockout in the fourth.

For the night, Rocky River out-hit Westlake .211 to .068. The Pirates had 60 digs to the Demons' 55 (River's 15 digs per set marked a season high).

Junior captain Kylie Spies had a big night for the Maroon & White. Spies logged 21 assists, seven digs, a solo block, and five service aces. River had eight aces as a team and has now averaged eight per match over its last three.

Seniors Ella Brokaw and Avery LaPorte were key beneficiaries of the offense flowing through Spies. Brokaw had 18 kills against just three errors in hitting .462. LaPorte had 8K and a .375 mark.

Seven Pirates registered four-or-more digs on the night. Lilly Cupp (14D), Kiley McCourt (9D), and Julia Leslie (8D) led the team in that category.

Rocky River is 6-1 this season in sets decided by seven points or less.

The Pirates will put their undefeated mark on the line again Tuesday when they host a CWC match against Lakewood.

by Skip Snow

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