The Fremont Ross volleyball team closed out its regular season on Tuesday night with a five-set battle against a tough Tiffin Calvert squad. It was a night packed with emotion, intensity, and pride — and while the final result didn’t fall in the Lady Giants’ favor, the team’s fight and spirit were undeniable.
Inside a packed Purple Pit, the energy was electric from the opening serve. The emotions of Senior Night seemed to play a role early on, as Ross dropped the opening set 25–18. But the Lady Giants quickly regrouped, storming back in the second set. Behind steady serving and improved ball control, Ross took an early lead and never looked back, evening the match with a 25–19 win.
Momentum stayed with the Giants in the third set. Sophomore setter Ryla Smith did a masterful job distributing the ball, setting up powerful swings from Kilee Kidd, Brey Biller, and Tierra Parker. Ross rode that rhythm to a 25–20 victory, taking a 2–1 advantage and putting the previously dominant Calvert team — who had lost only two sets all season — on the ropes.
The fourth set turned into a back-and-forth duel. Both sides exchanged long rallies and clutch points before the Senecas managed to create a bit of separation late, pulling away for a 25–20 win to force a decisive fifth set.
With the crowd on its feet, both teams dug deep for the finale. Ross jumped out to an early lead, but Calvert showed why they’re among the area’s best, clawing back to tie the score at 10–10. From there, the Senecas closed strong, taking the set 15–11 and the match 3–2.
Despite the loss, the Lady Giants showed resilience and togetherness in their regular-season finale — a fitting reflection of their five seniors: Brook Baacke, Brey Biller, Raegan Blackburn, Kilee Kidd, and Laci Rowe.
Ross wraps up the regular season with a 17–5 record and now turns its attention to the postseason. The Lady Giants will host Toledo Start in the opening round of the OHSAA Tournament on Wednesday night. First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.