Bull Dogs Bite Back, Shock Defending Champ Trinity

The Columbus North volleyball squad showed it has the grit to hang with the state’s best, rallying for a four-set road win at defending Class A state champion Trinity Lutheran on Tuesday night.

After dropping the first set 15-25, the Bull Dogs (5-2) came alive. Karen Dutro was dominant at the net, hammering down 17 kills and adding five blocks, while setter Lexi Denny ran the show with 32 assists, 20 digs, and two aces. Morgan Osborn anchored the back row with 31 digs, keeping rallies alive until hitters could finish the job.

Sydney Ousley and Tania Madonado added 10 kills apiece, giving North a balanced attack that Trinity simply couldn’t contain in the final three sets.

Trinity (4-3) had its stars — Rachel Bonde (15 kills) and Bella Wehmiller (34 assists, 16 digs) kept the Cougars swinging — but the Bull Dogs refused to let the match slip away. By the end, North’s growl was louder, stunning the reigning champs on their home court.