New London riding high after turnaround

NEW LONDON — Sarah Thomas knew it may take some time. But the New London volleyball head coach also knew what she had this season despite a roster with one senior. "Coming into the season, I knew that our team had great potential, but I also knew that it might take some time to figure things out," Thomas said. Still, the Wildcats opened with three straight losses. After 14 matches, they were just 5-9 and had lost five of their last six. But as the OHSAA regional volleyball tournament gets underway Thursday night, New London is among three Firelands Conference teams among the final 16 teams in its respective division. The Wildcats (13-12) have won eight of their last 11 matches to claim the program's first district championship in 30 years. They face two-time defending state champion, No. 3-ranked New Bremen (23-3), at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in a regional semifinal at Fostoria High School. "We had some important positions to fill after last season and we needed to learn to trust each other and ourselves in those positions," Thomas said of the slow start. "I saw progress in growth in every match. There were so many times that we were so close. "We had 12 matches that went four or five sets, and we just didn't come out on the right end of those. We finally figured it out when it really mattered in the tournament." Before surprising Seneca East in a district semifinal and shocking Buckeye Central in the district title match, it wasn't hard to pinpoint where New London's threat as a district contender took place. On Sept. 19, the Wildcats trailed 2-1 in a FC match against St. Paul in Norwalk. That was no surprise. New London had not beat the Lady Flyers since the last time it also won a district title in 1994. After getting soundly beaten 25-14 in the third set, New London rallied to post scores of 25-22 and 15-5 to claim the upset win. "Playing St. Paul, especially in their gym, is always a mental game," Thomas said. "I would say that our match against Monroeville the Tuesday before was part of the change. We lost in three, but we played very well against them, which gave us a little confidence going to St. Paul. After winning the first set, I think a switch flipped and we realized we could really compete and get the win." Thomas said it was also the first time she saw them "click" as a team. "The girls showed so much drive and hustle in that moment," she said. "Everyone contributed, we all worked together, and it was fun. It made the girls see what they could really do. "If they could beat one of the best teams in the FC, they had a shot to beat anyone. It was definitely a catalyst to the turnaround." After New London beat Seneca East in four — a match that included two 30-28 scores — it was trailing another longtime Northwest area power, 19-win Buckeye Central. Like the St. Paul match, the Wildcats soundly lost the third set, 2-1. But a 26-24 win forced a do-or-die fifth set, and suddenly New London was up 14-9 and serving match point for an improbable district title. But then, Buckeye showed its tournament mettle and put together four straight points to serve with a 14-13 deficit. However, B.C. couldn't hold off a fifth match point. After a couple volleys, Buckeye hit the ball out of bounds on the right side in front of the NL bench to set off a celebration. In some ways, it was a celebration of where New London once was to where it is now, along with being euphoric over a thrilling upset win. "I can not tell you how proud I am of this team," said Thomas, also a former player and New London graduate. "They have shown so much tenacity and hard work all season, especially in these last couple of weeks. They definitely keep me on my toes from one point to the next. "Their success has brought so much excitement to our program, the school and our community. As a coach, alumni, and parent, being proud doesn't even cover it. I am excited to be part of the history that is being made and milestones that are being achieved, and I am looking forward to the success that is to come." Junior Pailee Wilson has 309 kills and 88 blocks to lead New London at the net. Junior Gracie Thomas adds 259 kills and leads the team in serving with 255 points and 58 aces to go with a 94.5 serve percentage. Junior Raeann Mitchell has 333 assists and Gracie Thomas has 319. Defensively, New London is paced by junior Ava Ringler with 422 digs. She is followed by Thomas (376), the lone senior, Madison Rowland (281) and Mitchell (217) "I want this team to enjoy every single moment of what is happening," she said. "We have been the underdogs all tournament, and that's fine. It's a challenge that they accept. At this point, we are staying true to what we do as a team and just having fun playing a game we Love. "There is no pressure. I want them to know that they have made their coaches, school and community proud, no matter what happens on Thursday."