Communication key for Shaler boys volleyball team’s young lineup

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, April 5, 2018 | 11:00 PM

Owen Freiss doesn't want to ever hear the Shaler boys volleyball team stop communicating.

The Titans' success will be built on how well they can move in concert.

Shaler, which improved to 1-1 in Section 2-AAA with a 3-0 sweep of Fox Chapel last Tuesday, isn't built on a high-powered offensive machine.

Instead, to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season the Titans will have to play a defensive style.

“I think we have a lot of communication on the court,” Freiss said. “There is nonstop talking, and that's how we usually do well in the games.”

Shaler coach Paul Stadelman, who has worked with young rosters in the past, feels this group is a little different.

A lot of his players have more experience with the sport.

That allows Stadelman to feel confident the Titans will be able to dig in and play tough defense.

They are going to have to.

“A team that keeps the ball coming back,” Stadelman said. “Just puts it all into every play, every game and every set.”

Shaler, which played Seneca Valley last Thursday and North Hills Tuesday in matches too late for this edition, didn't have the easiest opening opponent to test out a new roster.

The Titans were swept 25-12, 25-16 and 25-16 by defending WPIAL champion and PIAA runner-up North Allegheny. Freiss, who along with Jon Ramsey is one of two seniors on the Titans' roster, was pleased with how they played.

Attitude-wise, Shaler was where it wanted to be.

“One of the things we talked about as a team is being fearless,” Freiss said. “Getting every ball and being scrappy and not letting easy balls hit the ground or letting easy plays go when we have a chance to put the ball away.”

Stadelman knows there is going to be a lot of trial-and-error this season. When the Titans win — like they did against Fox Chapel — there will be a lot of players who get playing time.

The key will be making sure everyone stays together.

“We have a very young team, so the resilience they showed was necessary to beat Fox Chapel,” Stadelman said. “We played 10 or 12 different guys varsity. It wasn't a one-man show, it wasn't one man contributing; it was a total team effort.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler