Unbeaten Shanahan powers into semis

The Bishop Shanahan volleyball team responded to losing its first set of the season by posting a familiar score as they swept Archbishop Caroll, 3-0, in the PIAA Class AAAA Volleyball Quarterfinals on Saturday at Harriton High School.

The Eagles won the match of the unbeatens by scores of 27-25, 25-14, 26-24.

“It was a tight match, both teams were undefeated,” said Shanahan coach Greg Ashman. “We knew they had a real big outside hitter and our goal was to shut her down and limit the damage she did. And, we did that.”

The win sets up a tanalizing semifinal with defending state champion Parkland on Tuesday at a site and time to be determined.

“It’s just another challenge,” added Ashman. “We beat the third-ranked team in the state in Carroll, now we have to face No. 2. There’s no easy road.”

Cara Shultz had 20 kills, 16 digs and seven aces.

“Cara had some real key aces in the beginning of the set that helped us get a lead,” said Ashman.

Renee Shultz added 12 kills, 28 assists and 13 digs and Ceadra Ashman recorded 16 assists, two aces and eight digs.

“We had some up-anddown moments, but our kids are very resilient,” said Ashman. He finished his junior campaign with 1,058 yards on the ground with 11 touchdowns.

The Golden Rams had success through the air as well, striking first in the game as junior QB Andrew Derr connected with sophomore Jordan Banks from 31-yards out to grab a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Derr would later find Banks once again, but from 35-yards out for his second touchdown grab of the day. Banks’ eighth touchdown this season tied him for the team lead with teammate Tyler Karpinski. The junior quarterback finished the day 10-17 for 188 yards with a pair of touchdown passes