South Fayette volleyball looks to grow, develop confidence throughout season

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 14, 2018 | 12:15 AM

With a young lineup, South Fayette coach Scott Sundgren isn’t setting goals of win totals or section titles.

He wants his players to get better every day. The rest will take care of itself.

“I don’t want to be the same team in October as we are now,” Sundgren said. “I want to work on the little things so we are more versatile. I want them to understand the game.

“I think sometimes teams can get locked into a rotation and lineup. But moving through the season, we want to see them grow and develop confidence.”

The Class 3A No. 5 Lions started the season with a 3-1 record. The lone loss was a 3-1 setback to No. 4 Thomas Jefferson on Sept. 10.

Leading the way for the Lions is a three-player senior class. Aubrey Hetland returns at setter, and Sundgren said she has improved from last season.

“It helps having a level of stability and confidence at the position,” Sundgren said. “She has so much experience and has been in so many game situations. She is able to work through a match without getting rattled and stay focused.

“Having a stable player who brings confidence to that position is really important.”

The senior class also features Olivia Geordt and Lexi Yates. Geordt returned to outside hitter while Yates is back at middle hitter.

“(Geordt) brings a fire and desire to the court,” Sundgren said. “She is a versatile player and is a motivating force for the team. Lexi has a calmness and desire to do well. Softball is her main sport, so she is just a great athlete.”

With a small senior class, South Fayette is relying on its junior class for production. The Lions have a pair of juniors who can play the libero spot in Nicole Yanosick and Amanda Malosh. Right-side hitter Lauren Salle is the tallest player on the roster at 5-foot-10 and is one of the team’s leaders in kills.

“Alisa Gealey has been strong at outside hitter,” Sundgren said. “Her defensive ball touches have been more consistent.”

The rest of the rotation is filled with sophomores. While young, Sundgren spoke highly of the underclassmen. Setter/outside hitter Isabella Franjione, outside hitter/middle hitter Rachel Phoennik, outside hitter Jordan Blake and right-side hitter/setter Emily Thomas have all stepped up for the Lions.

“(Outside hitter) Lilah Speca has come back strong,” Sundgren said. “She was a quiet kid as a freshman. But this year is talking, moving and hitting the ball. She is doing an excellent job.”

The youngsters will need to continue to progress as South Fayette battles through Section 2-3A. The schedule includes talented teams such as Chartiers Valley, Montour and West Allegheny. And with nonsection showdowns with No. 3 Central Valley, the schedule won’t be easy.

That’s the way South Fayette likes it.

“We want to play volleyball,” Sundgren said. “I like the section. We scheduled tough nonsection matches with TJ and Central Valley. I am not afraid of competition. Playing good teams is important. And I think the girls rise to the occasion.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: South Fayette