Photo by ROMM Photography

Wadsworth senior Adrienne Capotosta (center, #6) had eight kills and four blocks, but the Grizzlies fell to Painesville Riverside in the Hudson Division I Regional semifinals.

HUDSON -- Painesville Riverside's volleyball team took advantage of an uncharacteristically sloppy start by Wadsworth in winning their Hudson Division I Regional semifinal on Wednesday night.

The Beavers posted a 25-15, 25-20, 23-25, 25-22 victory over the Grizzlies to move into the OHSAA Tournament state quarterfinals. Riverside will play for its first regional championship Saturday at 2 p.m. against Stow.

Wadsworth (21-4), which finished with a school-record .840 winning percentage, got 10 kills from Amanda Pallija, and eight kills and four blocks from fellow senior outside hitter Adrienne Capotosta. Senior Alyssa Johnson and sophomore Rachel Jones -- both middle hitters -- had seven kills and four rejections apiece.

The Grizzlies also became just the 13th team in Medina County history to qualify for the regionals.

"I don't think I'll ever miss a group of girls more than I'll miss my teammates," said Capotosta, who played a terrific all-around match. "This season was something special."

Freshman setter Haley Beavers (14 assists), junior setter Sarah White (18 assists) and junior outside hitter Julie Bassett (6 kills, 19 digs) also played well for Wadsworth.

Riverside (24-3) was led offensively by Erika West's 14 kills and Teresa Noewer's 13 putdowns, but the duo also combined to make 16 errors.

The key to the Beavers' victory was setter Nicole Bayer, who had a match-high 37 assists, and effortlessly found Elizabeth Maczuzak (7 kills, 5 assists, 3 blocks) and Meredith Widecam (9 kills, 4 blocks) on most of the key points.

"Our team is so happy," said Maczuzak. "We can't believe this is all happening."