The Lady Warriors are currently ranked second in PIAA Class A. In just the Warriors’ first two weeks of the season, they have already faced nine opponents. They opened their season on Saturday, August 23rd, and they competed in a tournament at Forest Hills High School.
In pool play at the Forest Hills tournament, they defeated Chestnut Ridge and Homer-Center but split with Berlin Brothersvalley and West Shamokin, and fell to Somerset in the quarterfinals.
On Tuesday, August 26th, the Warriors traveled to Williamsburg and won in three sets, 25-16, 25-8, and 25-12. Senior right-side hitter Haley Woodling led the team in kills with 10 total.
Two days later, on Thursday, August 28th, they played Curwensville. With all the sets being won by double digits, they again swept the Lady Tide in three sets. The scores were 25-6, 25-12, and 25-8. Senior setter Kyla Kephart had a serving percentage of 100% for the night, with all 16 serves being successful.
The following Tuesday, the Warriors hosted Claysburg-Kimmel, sweeping the Bulldogs 3-0 in sets. The scores were 25-11, 25-19, and 25-21. Senior left-side hitter Bella Koleno led the Warriors with 11 kills.
On Thursday, September 4th, the Warriors rolled past Juniata Valley at home and crushed the Hornets in three sets with scores of 25-12, 25-16, and 25-15. Senior libero Brielle Bainey led the defense with 16 digs for the night.
The Warriors are looking to continue their success from last year, being ICC champions, District 6 champions, and making it to the PIAA State Class A Elite Eight. The Lady Warrior volleyball team has lost two seniors from last year, but has 11 returning letterwinners, giving them experience and depth.
Captain and senior setter Kyla Kephart reflected on the season so far: “This season has been going pretty well. I think as a team, it was hard to get everyone in the gym at the same time this summer, but we have been playing as a team very well. We are 4-0 in the ICC, and everything is starting to come together. Even younger players on the team have come into a varsity match to make an impact.”
The Lady Warriors will continue their strong start with upcoming matches at Moshannon Valley on Tuesday, September 9th, and play at Glendale on Thursday, September 11th. With their experience and early momentum, the team has its sights set on another deep postseason run.
