Hometown Volleyball Recaps for Thursday 9/21

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 25, 2017 | 7:21 PM

MSA Sports, powered by TribLive.com lifted the curtain on our Hometown Girls Volleyball program Thursday with a pair of WPIAL volleyball matches. Here are recaps from both contests.

SERRA CATHOLIC EAGLES 3 – Seton-LaSalle Rebels 0
By Sean Meyers

Serra Catholic gained the inside track on repeating as the section champion, as the Eagles scored a straight-sets victory against Seton-LaSalle on Thursday at Serra Catholic High School. In a battle of unbeaten teams from Class 2A Section 4, the Eagles prevailed 25-17, 25-22 and 25-21. As a result, Serra Catholic’s record improved to 5-0 (7-0 overall), while the Rebels dropped to 4-1.

In the opening set, the teams exchanged the upper hand multiple times, until the Eagles used a surge to turn an 8-6 deficit into a 14-8 advantage. Although the Rebels used a timeout to stop the run, Seton-LaSalle was never able to pull closer than four points. Serra Catholic, behind the strong effort of junior outside hitter Julia Piccolino, took the crucial first set by eight points.

After dropping the initial set, the Rebels held an early lead in the second stanza. Although Serra Catholic deadlocked the contest at 7-7 and 10-10, the Eagles didn’t hold the lead until 12-11. Later, Seton-LaSalle scored four consecutive points to take a 18-15 edge, but Serra Catholic immediately responded with five straight to regain the lead. The Eagles finished the set emphatically, winning five of the final six points to take a commanding match lead.

The third and final set saw the Eagles hold the lead for the majority of the play. In fact, after Serra Catholic pulled ahead 6-5, the Eagles would not relinquish that advantage the rest of the way. The highlight for the home team in the set was a 6-0 run to go ahead 17-11. The Rebels showed their resolve after a timeout, though, scoring five straight to prompt Serra Catholic coach Keith Trahan to also use a timeout. Ultimately, Serra Catholic was able to close out the set and match.

In addition to the strong work of Piccolino, who was honored as an All-State performer last year, junior outside hitter Vanessa Tom also was impressive for Serra Catholic. Additionally, seniors Olivia D’Andrea and Shannon Sullivan, juniors Morgan Schoy and Stephanie Schulte, and sophomore Amelia Bogovich all made key contributions.

In the setback, Jenni Pitts, Bridget Hart and Emily Farley had strong showings for Seton-LaSalle.

Serra Catholic returns to section play on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at South Allegheny, while Seton-LaSalle hosts Keystone Oaks.

BISHOP CANEVIN CRUSADERS 3 – Fort Cherry Rangers 2
By Jess Levo

The Fort Cherry Rangers faced the section-leading Bishop Canevin Crusaders in an exciting class-A, Section 3 Girl’s Volleyball game Thursday night.

Fort Cherry showed strong defense in the first set, winning 25-19. Momentum did swing, as Bishop Canevin won the second set 25-18 and the third 25-12. However, Fort Cherry was not going down without a fight and won the fourth set 25-20.

In the fifth set, the lead went back and forth between the two teams nearly as many times as the ball went over the net. Bishop Canevin finally prevailed, with a final kill from Sophomore Alexa Malloy, winning the final set 22-20.

Credit Fort Cherry for their strong defense, especially from two standout underclassmen. Sophomore Ally McKean and Freshman Reagan Carter were tall up front with several blocks throughout the night. McKean recorded 13 kills and Carter had 12.

A powerful arm from Malloy helped Canevin in the win, as she slammed 22 kills. Also valuable for Bishop Canevin were Juniors Kylie Airesman and Lexi Hall. Airesman hammered 21 kills and Hall 14.

Bishop Canevin now leads the section with a 6-0 record. Fort Cherry falls to 4-2.

Bishop Canevin will face Brentwood (5-0) in their next game on Tuesday. Fort Cherry will face Chartiers-Houston (3-2) Tuesday.

Tags: Bishop Canevin, Fort Cherry