Armstrong looking to contend again
Tri-State Sports & News Service
After coming within one win of a WPIAL Class 4A title, the Armstrong High School girls volleyball team has moved to Class 3A. But the River Hawks are still among the top teams in their classification.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Andrea Lasher of the River Hawks, who lost to North Allegheny in last year’s Class 4A title match. “We lost some key players from last year’s team, but we also had a good group of kids coming back.”
Armstrong was placed in Section 1, along with three other teams that moved down from Class 4A, and four teams that were in the section last year.
“I’m pleased with the way we’ve played, but we can’t get complacent,” Lasher said. “There are some things we need to improve on so we can be ready for the playoffs. We need to become more mentally strong.”
Armstrong is ranked No. 3 in WPIAL Class 3A, behind defending champion Knoch and No. 2 Thomas Jefferson. The River Hawks entered Thursday’s match against Kiski Area with a 9-0 record.
“We faced Knoch in a nonleague match and played them close in two games,” Lasher said. “We may be undefeated in the section, but we’re not there yet.”
Armstrong’s top player is Loryn Bowser, a senior outside hitter who was secondteam all-WPIAL Class 4A last year.
Chartiers Valley
Chartiers Valley opened its Class 3A Section 2 schedule with a five-set loss to West Allegheny. The Colts have recorded eight consecutive victories since that disappointing loss, including a 3-1 win against the Indians in their second-half rematch.
“We got off to a slow start, but have played well ever since,” Chartiers Valley coach Jason Ferri said. “We’ve shored up some weaknesses since that loss and were able to beat West Allegheny the second time around.”
Chartiers Valley entered Thursday’s match against Trinity tied for first place in the section with South Fayette. The Colts moved up to No. 5 in the WPIAL rankings with its 3-1 win against South Fayette on Sept. 25.
“This is the best team I’ve had at Chartiers Valley,” Ferri said. “I’ve been telling the kids that it’s all about believing in themselves. The girls have gained a lot of confidence over the past two weeks and really feel they can win the section title.”
Senior outside hitter Mara Hartoyo and senior setter Ashlynn Gulakowski have played a big part in Chartiers Valley’s success.
“Mara has taken her game to another level,” Ferri said. “Ashlynn is one of the best setters in the WPIAL.”
Brentwood
Brentwood has qualified for the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs six of the past 10 years. Half of those playoff appearances have come with Spartans alumna Kayla Hubsch in charge.
“This is my sixth year as head coach and this is the hardest working group of girls I’ve had,” said Hubsch, a 2007 Brentwood grad. “With four returning starters who are outstanding athletes, I expected this team to be very good.”
Brentwood tied for second place in Class 1A Section 3 last year and is back in the title picture again this year. The Spartans entered Thursday’s match against Northgate with a 7-1 record in the section. Their only loss was to defending WPIAL and section champion Bishop Canevin.
“We played a competitive match against Bishop Canevin in the first half,” Hubsch said. “We’re looking forward to the rematch. It’s our final match of the regular season [Oct. 18].”
Brentwood has been led by senior setter Abby Wolf and senior middle hitter/defensive specialist Anna Betz. Wolf is a three-year starter, while Betz is in her second year as a starter.
Beaver C.C.
Beaver County Christian suffered its first section setback Monday as the Eagles dropped a 3-2 decision to South Side Beaver.
“That was supposed to be our last section match, but we had to reschedule it,” coach Christen Adels said. “We’ve been without two starters for the past four matches. I’m surprised we’ve done as well as we have with them out of the lineup.”
Junior outside hitter Kenna Biro sustained a broken fibula, while sophomore outside hitter Ella Methany has been out with an illness.
“We’ll find out this week if Kenna will be back for the WPIAL playoffs,” Adels said. “We’re hoping to have Ella back next week.”
Senior outside hitter Maggie Townsend, a WPIAL Class 1A first-team selection last season, has picked up the slack. “Maggie had 33 kills in our win over Shenango.”
The loss dropped Beaver C.C. three spots to No. 5 in the WPIAL Class 1A rankings. The Eagles entered Thursday’s match against Quigley with a 9-1 record.