Top two seeds in each class to play for titles

Tri-State Sports & News Service

It will be No. 1 vs. No. 2 in both WPIAL boys volleyball title matches as the top two seeds in each class had semifinal wins Tuesday.

The finals are Thursday at Baldwin.

In Class 3A, top-seeded and defending champion North Allegheny (18-0) earned its 17th title berth in 21 years with a 25-19, 2521, 25-22 sweep of No. 4 Butler (16-4) in the second match of a doubleheader at North Hills High School. It was the third time the Tigers swept the Golden Tornado this year.

No. 2-seeded Bethel Park (18-0) advanced to the title match for the third time in six years with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 sweep of No. 6 Seneca Valley (10-7). Max Cooley led the Blackhawks with 15 kills, while teammate Grant Jansante added 9.

“We played at a high level tonight,” Bethel Park coach Zach Smith said. “We passed well, blocked well, and came up with the big kills when we needed them. It was a total team effort. Everybody made a contribution to our victory.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play North Allegheny in the title match.”

Class 2A

Top-seeded Derry (13-3) earned its fifth title berth in nine years with a 25-19, 25-12, 26-24 sweep of No. 4 Montour (13-4) in the second match of a doubleheader at North Allegheny. Jeff Perratone led the Trojans with 13 kills and teammate John Kerr had 12.

No. 2-seeded Ambridge (13-3) advanced the title match for the 10th time in 13 years with a 25-22, 26-24, 25-18 sweep of No. 3 Deer Lakes (15-3). The Bridgers were led by Liam Buck (17 kills), Devin Dishong (12 kills) and Daniel Elliott (44 assists).

The Class 2A title match will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by the Class 3A title match at 7:30 p.m.