Franklin Regional volleyball boasts young roster with great chemistry

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 11:01 AM

With only three returning starters, the Franklin Regional girls volleyball team will have to build experience match by match.

Coach Rachel Carter’s team finished 10-11 last season and went 1-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.

The Panthers took fourth in Section 4, were tabbed a No. 19 seed in a packed playoff bracket, then blanked Blackhawk in the preliminary round, 3-0, before falling to Latrobe in the first round by the same score.

“We are hopeful for a strong, successful season,” Carter said. “We are a younger team this year … but the girls have great chemistry and work very well together, so I truly have high hopes.”

The key returnees are senior 5-foot-10 outside hitter Sophia Reitz, and a pair of 5-5 defensive specialists in Gabby Rothrauff and Brooke Feorene.

Ella Evans (143 kills, 37 blocks) and Madison Nguyen (221 assists) are key graduation losses.

Other players looking to make their mark on the team include juniors Carson Burgh (S), Hadley Regelski (MH) and Malena Fischetti (DS), and sophomores Maya Speranza (OH) and Maria Piraino (DS).

Carter said the team has a “smooth and calm” playing style.

“There is a lot of trust between these girls, and they are able to lean on each other during every play,” Carter said. “I really think we will surprise some teams this year. “

The Panthers opened with a 3-0 win over Elizabeth Forward. Reitz led the way with nine kills, while Maya Speranza added six kills, and Grace Huang had four aces.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional