Columbus North High School

August 25, 2023 - After one set at fourth-ranked Roncalli, it looked like the Bull Dog volleyball team was going to have a rough night. The Royals out-served, out-hit, and out-blocked Columbus North on their way to a 25-10 first-set victory. The Dogs, however, regrouped between sets and were a completely different team the rest of the night. The Dogs had a lead midway through the second set, but the Royals battled back and then pulled away for a 25-17 victory in set two. The set of the night was the third. Both teams battled, made runs, regrouped, and battled again. The Dogs had a 22-21 lead late in the set before giving up a pair of points to give Roncalli a 23-22 lead. The Dogs tied it again at 23 before the Royals won the last two points, the set (25-23), and the match (3-0). Head coach Jenna Ortega was clearly not satisfied with a moral victory, pushing the fourth-ranked team in Class 4A to a hard-fought decision, but she also recognized the heart and determination shown by her young squad. Kennedy Horn had 13 kills, served three aces, and had a block to lead the Bull Dogs (3-5) statistically. Adding to Horn’s totals, Karen Dutro had four kills and three blocks, Reese Edwards and Holly Evans had nine and six setting assists, respectively, and Morgan Osborn and Katelynn Mabis each added serving aces. The Dogs lost both sub-varsity matches 2-0. Photo: Kennedy Horn pounds one of her 13 kills against fourth-ranked Roncalli on Thursday evening. The Dogs fell in straight sets.