Freeport, Beaver to meet again

Quarterfinal wins set up rematch between WPIAL’s best 2A teams

When the Beaver girls volleyball team ended Freeport’s two-year reign Nov. 4 as WPIAL Class 2A champions in the title match, both coaches said they would welcome a rematch in the PIAA tournament.

Beaver’s Charlene Horwatt and Freeport’s Tom Phillips will get their wish as each team won Saturday in the PIAA quarterfinals. Both will make their first PIAA semifinal appearance Tuesday in the rematch at a site to be determined.

The winner advances to the title match Saturday at Johnstown Richland High School.

Beaver advanced with a 23-25, 25-10, 25-13, 25-20 victory over Serra Catholic at Ambridge. Macy McElhaney led the Bobcats with 22 kills and 12 blocks, while Alexa Mamone had 21 kills.

“We are the best two teams on this side of the state, possibly the best two teams in the state,” Horwatt said. “The WPIAL title match came down to final point. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rematch went the same way.”

Freeport advanced with a 23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-13 win against defending PIAA champion Corry at Slippery Rock.

Class 3A

Another rematch will take place in the PIAA Class 3A semifinals, as Knoch and Montour posted quarterfinal victories.

Knoch, the WPIAL champion, advanced with a 25-14, 25-19, 25-15 sweep of District 10 champion General McLane.

The Knights were led by Sarah Armahizer, who had 12 kills, and Kennedy Christy, who had six kills and 20 digs.

“We set a stairway of goals and winning in the PIAA quarterfinals was at the top,” Knoch coach Diane Geist said. “It looks like we have to set another goal. This is the furthest Knoch has ever went in the PIAA playoffs.”

Montour, the WPIAL runner-up, earned its first trip to the semifinals with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-20 sweep of District 3 champion Palmyra.

“We got some stellar play from our seniors,” Montour coach Mike Marchionda said. “Rosina Esposito had four stuff blocks that were very important. Mia Di-Clemente did a great job of passing and serving. We’re looking forward to the rematch.”

Class 4A

WPIAL champion North Allegheny earned its first semifinal berth since 2012 with a 25-22, 25-19, 25-18 sweep of Seneca Valley, the third-place team from the WPIAL.

Armstrong, the WPIAL runner-up, wasn’t as fortunate in its match with defending PIAA champion Garnet Valley. The River Hawks were swept, 25-20, 2519, 25-22.

This is the first time the WPIAL has had five teams qualify for the PIAA semifinals.