NA, Knoch perfect
Both teams end season unbeaten
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — North Allegheny (23-0) won the PIAA Class 4A title Saturday with a 3-0 sweep of District 1 champion Bishop Shanahan at Johnstown Richland High School. It was the Tigers’ first title since 1994.
“It’s awesome. These kids played fantastic tonight,” North Allegheny coach Heidi Miller said. “We were clicking in all four phases of the game, serving, passing, blocking, and hitting. It was clearly our best performance of the season. We saved the best for last.”
Bishop Shanahan kept it close in the first set, but North Allegheny pulled out a 25-21 decision. The Tigers took charge in the second set and dominated from that point, winning, 25-12 and 25-16.
“To end my senior year with WPIAL and PIAA titles is incredible,” senior setter Erin Carmody said. “I love these girls so much. They are my second family.”
North Allegheny was led by Mika Logan’s nine kills. Kayla Dinkins added eight kills and six blocks. Anna Sprys also had eight kills.
Class 3A
Knoch (24-0) claimed its first PIAA title with a 3-2 come-from-behind win against defending PIAA champion Allentown Central Catholic (22-4). The Vikettes were making their seventh appearance in the final and finished secondfor the third time.
The Knights got off to a good start with a 26-24 win, but the Vikettes won the next two sets, 25-27 and 25-20. The Knights rallied to win the final two sets, 25-18 and 15-12.
“It’s not sinking in yet,” said Knoch coach Diane Geist, now in her 32nd year. “I sort of feel like I’m walking through a dream. It’s awesome.”
Sarah Armahizer led Knoch with 21 kills, while Hannah Rowe had 12.
“To be the first volleyball team at Knoch to win a state title is a great way to end my high school career,” said Armahizer, a senior middle hitter.”
Class 1A
Sophie Varndell and Maggie Thomas combined for 24 kills to lead District 10 champion Maplewood (23-4) to a 2514, 25-23, 25-13 sweep of District 11 champion Marian Catholic (23-1). Varndell led the Tigers with 14 kills, while Thomas had 10.