Bishop Canevin boys volleyball ready to take next step

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 31, 2018 | 1:06 AM

After a delayed entry into the WPIAL, the Bishop Canevin boys volleyball team appears to be on track to ascend the Class AA ranks.

The Crusaders started their program a few years ago as a club team. But just as the club status was about to be shed in favor of full WPIAL membership, player participation dipped, the team dissolved and the process reset.

Now it its third season, Bishop Canevin, under the direction of coach Pete Barakat, hopes to graduate from crawling to running. The Crusaders made the playoffs each of the past two seasons but were eliminated in the first round both times.

“We're starting to get some numbers,” Barakat said. “I think from the varsity standpoint, this will be the first time we have more experienced players on the court most nights. This is probably our deepest group.”

And it remains young. Of the 15 players on the roster, five are juniors — all with extensive experience — and the rest are freshmen and sophomores.

The leader is junior Matthew Menosky, a first-team All-WPIAL performer last season. Though at 5-foot-11 he lacks the stature of a typical outside hitter, Menosky has a full toolbox that enables him to play all six rotations.

“He has every volleyball skill you would want for a player,” Barakat said. “He can hit. He's a great passer, and he can set. I think he's going to be an all-state player for us.”

Junior Robert Andrews is the primary setter, though freshman Jordan Ruffing figures to get plenty of touches, as well. The defense is anchored by libero Noah Kelsch, whom, Barakat said, “has a chance to be an all-section player.”

While Menosky draws much of opposing defenses' attention, two emerging hitters should be able to ease some of that pressure.

Chinese exchange student Lee Li (6-2), who has been with the program for two years, is starting to harness his ability. Last season, Barakat said, Li was as prone to send a kill attempt to the back wall as he was to hit it within the boundaries. Now, he is far more consistent.

“He is as incredible an athlete as you can see,” Barakat said. “He's starting to place the ball in good spots. He hits at high contact, so he's tough to block.”

Middle hitter Coulton Gaitens (6-3) remains a bit raw, but Barakat is pleased with his progress and said he believes Gaitens will have a solid season.

Barakat plans to mix several freshmen and sophomores into his rotation. Some of the younger players are volleyball neophytes, but Barakat said their development is key to keeping the program growing.

“You have to find ways not to confuse the young guys and not bore the veterans,” he said. “I think the older guys have done a good job kind of building the base of the pyramid.”

A deeper playoff run would add a block to the pyramid. First, the Crusaders would like to challenge for a section title, something Barakat said is within their reach.

“I'm really excited to see what this group has because I don't think we're getting a whole lot of attention,” he said. “Thomas Jefferson and Seton LaSalle are getting a lot of attention, and they're certainly worthy choices.

“But I think when our guys are playing well, other teams are going to have a hard time beating us.”

Chuck Curti is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at ccurti@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CCurti_Trib.

Tags: Bishop Canevin