Despite title loss, Central returns plenty for 2022
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By Rick Weaver
For the Mirror
SIDMAN -- The Central boys volleyball team will have plenty working in its favor when it returns to play in 2022. A full complement of starters only begins to tell the story.
"We got a full season in. We were pretty fortunate," an appectiative coach Ken Wyant said after Central fell to West Shamokin 3-1 in the District 6 Class 2A championship match at Forest Hills High School on Tuesday evening. "We didn't have any kids out with COVID-19. I didn't have a deep bench."
The lack of depth made it imperative for the starting unit -- Zack Gahagan, Eli Lingenfelter, Luke Weber, Cayden Wright, Zach Wyant and Zeb Wyant -- to be available throughout what turned into a promising season of rebuild.
West Shamokin coach Scott Craig concurred with Wyant.
"Every time we see them they've become a better team," he said. "They work hard. They're going to be a good team next year. They've improved every time we've seen them."
West Shamokin, which will play the WPIAL runner-up on Tuesday, June 1, had only a mild hiccup in its 25-12, 19-25, 25-12, 25-13 victory.
Central used the strong serving of Gahagan to turn an 8-8 tie into a 13-8 lead. Gahagan led Central with nine service points.
West Shamokin's depth and experience took over in the third game.
"We have a couple of kids who play really well in the big games," Craig said. "I thought we came out sluggish today. They kind of thought it would be a rollover game."
Wyant said Central (10-4) had chances to climb back into the game, but did not take advantage. He added that each game had at least one rotation that proved pivotal in the outcome.
"They gave us free points, and all in all we gave away more points than they did," he said.
MATCH STATISTICS
Service points: C -- Gahagan 9, Z. Lingenfelter 5, Wright 2, Zeb Wyant 2, Weber 1; Kills: C -- Zach Wyants 9, Zeb Wyant 8, Gahagan 4, Lingenfelter 4; WS -- Cornicsh 10; Stover 8; Blocks: C -- Wyant 2, Lingenfelter 2, Wright 2, Zach Wyant 2; Assists: Spender 14.