Girls Volleyball: Rothe, Dublin Scioto continue to roll
Sunday, September 17, 2023
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Dublin Scioto’s Alec Rothe goes for the block during the team’s match at Pickerington Central on Sept. 16. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Alec Rothe took the opportunity to do some jumping jacks and leg twirls while waiting out a stoppage during the Dublin Scioto girls volleyball team’s match at Pickerington Central on Sept. 16.
She was just keeping her ankle loose after turning it while playing for the U.S. National U21 team at the International Federation Women’s World Championship last month.
“I was just trying to stay warm,” said Rothe, a senior middle hitter who had 19 kills and 10 digs against the Tigers. “(When I got hurt), the first thing that went through my head was, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to have to tell coach (Jackie) Wilson that I can’t play this year. I was actually scared because our team is really good. I thought my senior year was down the drain, but I’m literally fine.”
The only evidence of the injury was wrap that was only visible when she took her shoe off after the match.
The Irish, who improved to 12-0 overall with a 28-30, 25-15, 25-23, 25-18 win over the Tigers, won five matches while Rothe was with the national team.
“I think (those first five matches) was really important to know that our whole squad is really solid, top to bottom,” said Wilson, who is in her 14th season. “We have the depth and the flexibility to compete.”
Pickerington Central’s Makenna Grimes serves during the team’s match with visiting Dublin Scioto on Sept. 16. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Wilson was relieved Rothe’s absence wasn’t longer because of the injury.
“We were certainly nervous, but who better to be in the care of than USA Volleyball,” Wilson said. “They were really aggressive with her and got her back to the point where she was allowed to play (in the tournament). We were certainly nervous at first, but she was in great hands.”
Still, the Irish have plenty of weapons around Rothe, who has 92 kills, 47 digs and 14 blocks since returning.
Junior outside hitter Kayden Winbush has 122 kills and 104 digs, junior setter Maddie Zechman has 305 assists and 86 digs, senior libero Sophia Schwab has 128 digs and 27 aces, senior middle hitter Amariah White has 34 blocks and sophomore outside hitter Riley Winbush has 76 kills for the Irish, who are ranked fifth in the first Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches’ Association state poll released Sept. 11.
“We really worked on her offense without her,” said Kayden Winbush, who previously played at Bexley. “It was hard because I feel like our offense revolved around her. But when she left, I think we did really good at coming together as a team. Obviously, Alec is a big part of our team, but everyone else contributed (when she was gone).”
Dublin Scioto’s Kayden Winbush prepares for play during the Irish’s match with host Pickerington Central on Sept. 16. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Rothe had 19 kills and 10 digs, Kayden Winbush had 15 kills and 11 digs and Riley Winbush added 13 kills for the Irish against Central.
Zechman had 45 assists and 17 digs, Schwab had 17 digs and White had seven blocks in a well-rounded effort against the Tigers, who handed Scioto its third set loss of the season.
Scioto holds a 6-0 record in the OCC-Capital Division as it seeks its fifth consecutive league title.
In 2021, Scioto won its first district title since 2007 and followed with up with a district runner-up finish last season. The Irish, who have three district championships, have never advanced beyond the regional semifinal round.
“First of all, we have really hard workers on the team,” said Rothe, a Florida commit. “We’re not just a team, we’re a family. We care about each other so much and we value our time so much. It’s not like we’re just going to volleyball practice. We’re going to volleyball practice and hanging out with our friends. It’s a really loving and caring environment so it’s easy to play good volleyball.”