Columbus East High School

The Columbus East boys volleyball team started strong Thursday night, grabbing the opening set against visiting Franklin Central in front of the home crowd at the Orange Pit. However, the Flashes, ranked among the top teams in the state, responded with three straight set wins to claim the match 3-1. East showed grit early, rallying from a 12-10 deficit in the first set with a nine-point surge to seize momentum and take the set 25-22. Despite the fast start, Franklin Central adjusted quickly and took control in the second and third sets with dominant performances, winning 25-15 and 25-11, respectively. The Olympians battled in the fourth and made a late push but ultimately fell 25-22, bringing the match to a close. Statistically, Ian Scholl led the way for East with 20 digs, five kills, a block, and an ace. Alex Duncan delivered a strong all-around effort with 20 assists, 16 digs, four kills, and three aces. Grayson Watters contributed three kills, two digs, and a block, while Tyler Ernst and Alex Wenzler each added three and two kills, respectively. Wenzler also tallied a block. Justin Lopez chipped in five kills and two blocks, and Jon Ruch finished with six digs. The loss drops East to 6-8 on the season, wrapping up a busy three-match stretch over as many days.