Pine-Richland set for new season

Tri-State Sports & News Service

Pine-Richland girls volleyball coach Amanda Fetter believes the adage that “anything can happen in the playoffs.”

“It’s like starting a new season,” said Fetter, who has led the Rams to five consecutive WPIAL playoff berths since taking over as head coach. “Everybody is 00. I’ve seen some really strange things happen in the playoffs, so anything can happen.”

Fetter’s squad finished the regular season with a 5-5 record in Class 4A Section 1, which earned the Rams a third-place finish. The top four teams in each section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs, which are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

“It’s always an honor to be in the playoffs,” Fetter said. “It’s especially meaningful when you’re in such a strong section.”

North Allegheny and Seneca Valley finished the regular season tied for first place in the section with a 9-1 record. The Tigers, the WPIAL runners-up the past two seasons, are ranked No. 1, while the Raiders are No. 2. Pine-Richland is ranked No. 8.

“Our section is really strong from top to bottom,” Fetter said. “Playing in such a strong section helped to prepare us for the playoffs. I consider us a sleeper, a team to watch.”

Fetter also believes the overall depth in Class 4A is strong.

“Any of the top eight teams are capable of knocking off one of the others,” Fetter said. “Any of the eight are capable of making it to the WPIAL finals.”

The Rams have been led by two seniors: middle hitter Emma Cottrill and setter Nicole Kordenbrock.

“Emma and Nicole are both three-year starters,” Fetter said. “Both have provided leadership, on and off the court.”

Frazier

It’s 19 years and 19 WPIAL playoff appearances for Frazier coach Mandy Hartman.

Frazier enters the Class 1A playoffs, scheduled to begin Tuesday, ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL. They entered Thursday’s Section 2 finale with a 13-0 record.

“There was a lot of uncertainty coming into the season,” Hartman said. “We only had three returning seniors and were starting three freshmen. I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, things have worked out very well for us. It’s been a lot of fun with the group of girls.”

The three freshmen Hartman was referring to are setter Logan Hartman (her daughter), libero Kathryne Barch and outside hitter Skye Eicher.

“My freshmen don’t play like freshmen,” Hartman said. “They have solidified our lineup. It’s a fun mix having seniors and freshmen starting.”

Hartman believes topranked Greensburg Central Catholic is the team to beat in Class 1A.

“Greensburg C.C. is wearing the bull’s eye,” said Hartman, referring to the Centurions’ four consecutive topthree finishes in the WPIAL. “They have been to states the last four years.”

Beaver County Christian

Beaver County Christian is back in the WPIAL playoffs after a four-year postseason drought. The Eagles, who entered Thursday night’s finale with an 11-2 record in Class 1A Section 1, finished second in the section and No. 7 in the WPIAL rankings.

Not bad for a squad that had trouble fielding a team when practice began.

“I started out with five kids,” coach Christen Adels said. “Fortunately, I had three freshmen transfer in just before school started and decided to try volleyball.”

Adels is now fielding a roster of 10 players.

“We only have 23 girls total at the high school and 10 are playing volleyball,” Adels said. “I had to go back to the basics with most of our new players, but they have learned quickly. We’ve jelled as a team.”

Beaver C.C. joined the WPIAL in 2008. The Eagles qualified for the WPIAL playoffs their first four years, but fell short of a berth the past four years.

“It’s good to be back in the playoffs,” Adels said. “It will be a good learning experience for girls, especially since we have only one senior — outside hitter Michala Johnson.”

Norwin

Norwin got off to a slow start in Class 4A Section 3, but made up for it in the second half.

The Knights lost their first two section matches to Franklin Regional and Hempfield, both in five sets, then rallied to win seven of the next eight to finish in a tie for second place with Penn-Trafford at 7-3.

“I believe the girls worked hard together as a team to support and encourage one another on and off the court,” said Norwin coach Mary Ellen Ferragonio, when asked what the key was to the Knights’ success.

Ferragonio credits the play of her four seniors: Maria Tomas, Danielle McMaster, Taylor Ingel and Nicole Novak.

“Our four seniors have taken on leadership through their play, effort and encouragement,” Ferragonio said. “Their hard work has made a difference.”