Recent surge provides momentum for Penn-Trafford boys volleyball

By: Nathan Smith
Friday, May 3, 2019 | 5:00 PM

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The Penn-Trafford boys volleyball team might be peaking at the right time.

After a season of ups and downs, the Warriors had a breakthrough week with Section 3-3A wins over Armstrong, 3-1, and Hempfield, 3-0.

“I think we have improved a lot from the beginning of the season,” senior setter Adam Grove said. “We are catching fire at the right time just before the playoffs.”

The win over the Spartans was a bit of revenge for the Warriors. Penn-Trafford lost to Hempfield, 3-2, on April 2.

“It sucks because we lost to all of our biggest rivals in five sets,” Grove said. “It is a tough section. But I like it. I think it makes us better.”

Jake Tappe has been a leader for the team throughout the season. The senior middle hitter entered the year as the team’s most battle-tested player.

“He is a pretty reliable hitter,” Penn-Trafford coach Jim Schall said. “I think the block at times has been better for him this season. He has had some different shots that he didn’t have last year. I think he had one speed with his hitting last year. He’s able to move around well with different shots this year.”

Grove has continued to improve in the setter role. While he was a part-time starter last season, stepping into the position full time had helped improve his overall court presence.

“He has done a great job,” Schall said. “He does everything well. He always makes good decisions and handles the ball very well. He is having a great year.”

Grove recently received Class AAA Player of the Week honors from the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.

Junior libero Andrew Lovett also gained praise from Schall in his first season.

One position that has seen some changes recently is outside hitter. Brayden Pusker and Zach Rapp have had solid matches. But the coaching staff has been making lineup changes as the season progressed.

“That is a position that we have had some ups and downs,” Schall said. “We have used some other guys at outside hitter more recently. We have been trying to get some consistency with their play.”

The Warriors will conclude the Section 3-3A schedule against Plum and Norwin. To close the regular season on an upswing, Schall wants his squad to continue to focus on not giving its opponent an opportunity for easy points.

“We need to keep the number of errors and points we give away down,” Schall said. “At times, we try to make a spectacular play. We are better at making the simple ones.”

While the team will not be able to capture a fourth straight section crown, Penn-Trafford has plenty to play for. The team is on the verge of its 12th consecutive WPIAL playoff appearance. If they can continue their recent high level of play, the Warriors may be ready for an extended run.

“The goal is to give it our all every game,” Grove said. “We want to play hard every night and see what happens. I think if we play hard as a team, we will be happy with the outcome.”

Tags: Penn-Trafford