MARTINS FERRY — No. 2 Martins Ferry Purple Riders started strong Tuesday in their Division V East District semifinals game against No. 4 Tuscarawas Valley, but it was the Trojans who took control of the match in advancing over Martins Ferry in four sets, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19, 26-24.

The first set belonged to the Purple Riders behind a strong effort out the gate by junior Giana Chirpas who collected four kills in the set.

“Game one, I told the girls, where was that team all season?” Martins Ferry head coach Jaela Koller said. “Where was this team all season? We came out on fire, working together, talking, moving, grooving. I was super proud of them.”

Chirpas led the team with 15 kills, and also had four blocks.

Sophomore Nicole Hammerquist followed with 11 kills and a team-high five bloc

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