Shaler volleyball team puts early struggles in rear-view mirror

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 18, 2018 | 9:09 PM

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Shaler setter Tia Bozzo has felt a rising sensation of validation the past few weeks.

By bowling over Elizabeth Forward 3-1 in a nonsection match last Tuesday, the Titans got their fifth straight win.

With a playoff spot clinched, the Titans (8-6, 5-6) had their sights set on more. With a win over North Hills in a match whose results were too late for this edition, coupled with a Butler loss, Shaler could finish tied for third.

It was a far cry from where the Titans opened the year. Shaler started with four straight section losses, three by 3-2 margins, but Bozzo felt the Titans were on the right track.

“At the beginning of the season, it was rough and discouraging losing five-set matches,” said Bozzo, who handed out 38 assists in the win over the Warriors. “We were right there with the teams. I thought and knew we could play more competitively than we were. I knew we could be better. It’s finally showing off now.”

Four matches during the winning streak came against section foes, and only one — a 3-2 win over Fox Chapel on Oct. 4 — went the distance. Part of the change in fortunes came from making other teams work for success.

“I think our defense has picked up,” Shaler coach Paul Stadelman said. “We’re keeping ourselves in the game by keeping pressure on other teams and not letting the ball hit the floor. We are wearing teams down with our aggression and energy on the ball.”

In no match was this more apparent than a 3-1 win Oct. 4 over second-place Pine-Richland (11-2, 9-2). Shaler won the first and fourth sets by scores of 35-33 and 33-31, respectively.

Bozzo led the team with 34 digs, and Cassidy Rossi and Sierra Ricci compiled 27. Oyinda Abgale (22), Mia Schubert (12), Sophia Gillespie (nine) and Addie Kania (nine) led the team in kills.

Carrying momentum to the playoffs will require being effective in their all-around approach.

“I think our serve-receive has to stay consistent where it has been so if we are in games with good teams we can stay in matches and play well in matches,” Stadelman said. “Have an attitude of attack first and being aggressive and not sitting back on teams.”

Bozzo believes they have the mental approach handled.

“I think each girl is different in how you have to approach them,” Bozzo said. “For some girls, you have to be hands-off and highlight their great moments. Even when we are doing bad, we have each other to fall back on. Encouraging them helps in certain situations.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler