MOUNT VERNON — The epicenter of high school volleyball in Ohio was in “The Hive” on Saturday.

Three of the very best teams in the state invaded Mount Vernon’s gymnasium and the Yellow Jackets knocked off Archbishop Hoban and St. Edwards, losing only to defending state champion Archbishop Moeller.

Things started slow for Mount Vernon, but after dropping the first match to Archbishop Moeller, 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19, the Jackets did some shifting around, moving Roger Melick to the libero position before their match against Archbishop Hoban, which is an early favorite to win the state title in Division II.

“[Melick] really took charge of our defense,” said Mount Vernon coach Alan Cassell. “He provided a steady presence in the back row.”