Published: November 04, 2009 12:54 am      

Schiro’s absence too much for Toppers to overcome

WINDSOR — Six hours before Tuesday’s Class 1A sectional semifinal, Schlarman volleyball coach Jamison Kuemmerle found out that his Hilltoppers would be short handed for their match against the Windsor Blue Devils.

Four-year senior starter Emily Schiro was on her way to the hospital with flu-like symptoms.

“Unfortunately, there is no way to prepare for not having your team leader and pretty much your best player,’’ Kuemmerle said. “Take her out of lineup and we lack the firepower that we need.’’

Schlarman attempted shuffling kids around but Windsor was just too tough as the Blue Devils beat the Hilltoppers 25-18, 25-19.

“This is sectionals and to lose one of our strongest hitters was a big hit to us,’’ said Schlarman senior Sarah Barrett, who finished with four kills and one ace serve. “It’s hard adjusting when you have someone that picks up everyone else, and when you lose them, everyone has to pick up so much more.’’

Schiro was not only one of the top outside hitters for the Hilltoppers, she was also one of their top servers and top passers.

“She is the only kid that started since her freshman year, and she played on 2006 state team,’’ Kuemmerle said. “Serena (Calhoun), Sarah Barrett and April Cahill did their best of stepping up, but when you rely on someone all season, it’s tough take them out and still succeed.’’

In Saturday’s regional championship against Salt Fork, Schiro had three kills, four aces and 19 digs. On Tuesday, Schlarman was guilty of 15 hitting errors and the Hilltoppers had players running into each other on at least two occasions.

“We had kids playing in spots that they weren’t used to playing in and it showed with the communication,’’ Kuemmerle said. “But I’m proud of the way we played. We knew the first game was going to be sloppy, but we hung around in the second game.’’

Schlarman, which finishes it year at 27-5, had the lead three times in the second game, including at 18-17 on a kill by freshman Rebecca Beaulier.

Windsor (29-7) scored eight of the final nine points with Barbara Blackhorn closing the match with back-to-back aces.

“It just seemed like they never really got going,’’ Windsor coach Lori Bennett said about Schlarman. “They really struggled to get into a rhythm and get into their system. We were able to use that our advantage.’’

Haley Maxwell, the Blue Devils junior middle blocker, had a match hit 12 kills, while Hanna Cole, another junior middle blocker, had five kills.

“Their middles were good and we didn’t have much of an answer for them,’’ Kuemmerle said. “That definitely put us on our heels. They had good attacks, we had trouble digging and when we did, we didn’t get a quality attack out of it.’’

Calhoun led the Hilltoppers with seven kills and two aces, while Briana Thomas had 13 assists.