Success runs deep for North Catholic

Tri-State Sports & News Service

When asked to assess the performance of her squad in the opening weeks of the high school volleyball season, North Catholic coach Amanda Fetter believes the key to the Trojans early success has been their depth.

“We have 15 players on the varsity and 12 see high levels of varsity competition,” Fetter said. “And I wouldn’t have a problem playing the other three, if needed. Depth has played a big part in our success. I’ve never had this much depth.”

Fetter is making her debut at North Catholic after spending the past 10 years at PineRichland, including six as head coach.

“It’s been so much fun coaching these girls,” said Fetter, who had planned on taking a hiatis from coaching after stepping down at PineRichland after the 2017 season. “Having so much depth makes my job easier. I can make changes to our lineup and be assured that the replacement will play at a similar level.”

North Catholic is ranked No. 2 in WPIAL Class 2A. The Trojans took sole possession of first place in Section 2 with Tuesday’s 3-1 win against previously unbeaten Hopewell. The Trojans entered Thursday’s match against Chartiers-Houston with a 4-0 record in the section.

Fetter’s squad also claimed the team title at the 15-team Plum tournament, held Sept. 15.

Hempfield

Hempfield has become the team to beat in Class 3A Section 3. The Spartans entered Thursday’s match against Connellsville with a 4-0 record in the section and were ranked No. 6 in the WPIAL.

“We took a look at our team and implemented some things that we haven’t done in the past,” Hempfield coach Kathy Kuhns said. “Our desire was to cut down on the unforced errors we’ve had early in matches. We’ve tried some new things and limited our unforced errors.”

The only other team in the section with an unblemished record is Latrobe. The Wildcats took a 4-0 section mark into Thursday’s match against Norwin. Hempfield plays host to Latrobe Sept. 25.

Our section isn’t as strong as it’s been in the past,” Kuhns admitted. “But we still have good competitiveness. It’s still a battle to win this section, and that’s our goal.”

Hempfield’s top player is MeKayla Dedo, a junior middle hitter.

“MeKayla is a force to be reckoned with,” Kuhns said. “She spent a lot of time during the offseason lifting weights and working out to get ready for the season. She’s been able to improve her vertical jump and her hitting