McLanahan, Lady Tigers look to get back to states
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From Mirror reports
District 6 Class 3A girls volleyball champion Hollidaysburg returns three Mirror first-team all stars this season as it attempts to defend its title -- Emily Clapper, Lexi McLanahan and Lucy Stanek.
The Lady Tigers made it to the second round of the state tournament, as did District 6 Class 2A runner-up Tyrone, which brings back first-teamers Madelyn Rockwell and Kylee Nelson.
Also returning from the first team are Claysburg-Kimmel's Emalee Cavender, Altoona's Aunye Counsman and Portage's Paige Phillips.
The following is a capsulized look at the teams from the Mirror's core coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: John Saboe, fifth year
Career record: 24-42
Last year's record: 6-12, 1-9 Mid-Penn
Conference: Mid-Penn
Returning starters: Seniors -- Aunye Counsman, outside hitter; Julia Kline, opposite; Nora Reed, libero; Sydney Stroup, outside hitter. Juniors -- Samantha Page, setter; Ellaina Saylor, opposite; Ava Steinbugl, outside hitter. Sophomores -- Ella Albright, middle hitter
Other returning players: Sophomores -- Karinna Wolfe, defensive specialist; Maraya Bittner, setter; Megan Kelly, outside hitter; Marina Petucci, defensive specialist; Jorja Treece, setter; Erinn Wertz, defensive specialist; Annalyse Yost, middle hitter
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Mylin Betz, outside hitter; Sage Bower, opposite; Kihlee Noel, middle hitter. Freshmen -- Sophia Knorr, outside hitter; Maleah Koch, middle hitter; Selena Lopez-Oakes, setter; Addison Mielnik, outside hitter; Ally Rosenberry, defensive specialist; Kayden Weyandt, middle hitter
Strengths: "We have a solid core of athletic, versatile and competitive players. Offensively, we feel we have an experienced upperclassman group that have found their 'put-away' ability and a great mix of young talent that is developing those 'put-away' skills. In addition, we'll need to rely on our tough serving and scrappy defense to keep us in games."
Concerns: "We lost three key seniors from last year, but we have a great core of athletes to step into those spots. We are dedicating a lot of time to our defensive strategy. Our team is very aggressive, so we need to keep our unforced errors to a minimum and be patient during long rallies as our offense continues to develop."
Overall outlook: "As always, we have a very demanding schedule, and it will challenge us game in and game out. And once again, our team has set very high goals for themselves. Provided, we have solid leadership, focused discipline and attention to detail, we feel confident that our team will be battle-tested, exciting to watch and a definite contender for the District 6 Class 4A title by the end of the season."
Assistant coaches: Mitchell Snyder, Alyssa Fasolo (volunteer), John Albright (volunteer), Karan Price (volunteer), Lindsey Fasolo (volunteer) and Makenzie Negri (volunteer)
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Sophie Damiano, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 6-4
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Chloe Brown, Jessie Corrado. Juniors --Johanna Heckman, Addy Turek, Ava Patton
Other returning players: Juniors -- Avah Hassler. Sophomores -- Bella Myers, Lily McNelis, Alia Bennett
Newcomers: Senior -- Miranda Tornatore. Junior -- Morgan Kienzle. Sophomore -- Riley Barnhart. Freshmen -- Scotlyn Hasler, Alexis Wagner, Emma Miller, Giuliana Gumma, Lauren Marinak, Izzy Caracciolo, Ava Worthing
Strengths: "We have strong hitters returing this year that will be leaders at the net."
Concerns: "Our team is very young considering mostly freshman and sophomores. We also have two new varsity setters this year."
Overall outlook: We are excited for new competition in the LHAC. Our team has been working hard in the offseason to be competitive in the new league and we're anxious to get on the court and start playing."
Assistant coach: Melissa Wolfe
Bishop Carroll
Coaches: Jackie Joscho and Erin Becquet
Career record: 8-27
Last year's record: 3-14
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Alicia Henrich, Mary Golden, Brynn Koscho
Other returning players: Juniors -- Abby Gottshall, Greta Krumenacker, Samantha Buyback, Kylee Newfield, Melinda Harker. Sophomores -- Allie Dziabo, Sophie Becquet
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Alena Nagle, Alivia Nagle. Freshmen -- Emily Olienyk, Olivia Gregg, Addison Myers
Strengths: "We have a lot of energy of our team. It has been easy to push for more advanced skill levels with them and try to build early on with a young team."
Concerns: "Our primary concern is focusing on each game one game at a time. At the early stages of a season, teams can get excited to play one team or another but we are trying to remain very focused on each task at hand in order to do what we need to do each game and succeed."
Overall outlook: "We anticipate very tough competition, but we are fairly certain our players will be able to rise to the challenge and see some exciting wins."
Assistant coach: Angela Gregg (volunteer)
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Mark Bennett, first year
Career record: 16-6
Last year's record: 6-13
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Ava Taddei, Molly Burke, Samantha Brandt. Juniors -- Rowan Disabato, Riley Gofus.
Other returning players: Junior -- Caidence Cover.
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Annalise Casillo, Leah Bryne.
Strengths: "Senior leadership is definitely our strength. With three returning seniors, we are looking at those ladies to take us forward."
Concerns: "Depth is a concern. Several newcomers will have a prominent role this season. Our setter position will be inexperienced and we are a fairly young team overall."
Overall outlook: "If our fundamentals remain solid, we should be able to have a solid season."
Assistant coaches: Carlee Thomas, Casey Campbell
Cambria Heights
Coach: Doug Farabaugh, fifth year
Career record: 42-33
Last year's record: 6-13
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Mackenzie Mulraney, Paige Burkey, Savannah Coover. Juniors--Alayna McCombie, Maelyn Dutko. Sophomore--Regan Conrad.
Other returning players: Seniors--Emerson Packard, Tricia Venesky, Hailee Bickford, Hannah Buck. Juniors--Isabell Terza, Jordyn Dubois, Gina Lane, Mallory Sherry. Sophomore--Carly Sowers.
Newcomers: Sophomores--Sophia Cann, Sara Shevock. Freshman--Aubrey Rank.
Strengths: "We have a great group of seniors this season. We have great competition in our practice gym. We serve and attack aggressively."
Concerns: "At times we make too many unforced errors. We know we're going to be in close matches this season and unforced errors could cost us wins."
Overall outlook: "We hope to keep getting better as the season goes on. We want to compete night in and night out in the Heritage Conference and finish in the top four to get a chance to play for the Heritage Conference title. We missed out on district playoffs last year. We hope to make it to the 2A District 6 playoffs."
Assistant coach: Andy Christoff
Central
Coach: Caitlyn Welty, third year
Career record: 14-33
Last year's record: 7-14
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Heather Brumbaugh, middle blocker; Madison Kennedy, pin hitter; Kaitlyn Weitzel, setter. Juniors--Dessa Boyles, middle blocker; Alayna Mingle, defensive specialist/setter.
Other returning players: Seniors--Payton Gregg, defensive specialist; Makenna Kocsis, pin hitter. Juniors--Lyla Imes, pin hitter; Kaylee Kensinger, defensive specialist; Aubrey Rhodes, middle blocker
Newcomers: Sophomore--Delaney Hoover, pin hitter
Strengths: "We have tremendous middle blockers Heather Brumbaugh and Dessa Boyles at the net for defense this year. Heather, along with Madison Kennedy, will be key players hitting off sets from Kaitlyn Weitzel for us this year. We have some depth of talented players allowing us to adapt to our opponent's offense."
Concerns: "Our defensive back row will be a new lineup this year, but very promising in the growth of the athletes thus far. We will have to adapt quickly and intelligently, especially with a changing lineup."
Overall outlook: "Our goals this year include a winning record and making it to the District 6 playoffs. We have a few underclassmen athletes that we will be pushing this year to get to the varsity level."
Assistant coaches: Ken Streilein, Aaron Bowers, Briana Cunningham
Central Cambria
Coach: Alicia Huber, third year
Career record: 29-12
Last year's record: 12-8
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Summer Koss, setter; Morgan Sedor, middle hitter; Maggie McCullough, outside hitter; Madelyn Brunatti, defensive specialist.
Other returning players: Senior -- Taylor Ream, defensive specialist. Juniors -- Sophie Blasko, rightside hitter; Maddie Thomkins, defensive specialist. Sophomores -- Erica Brouse, outside hitter-middle hitter
Newcomers: Junior -- Lola Taylor, middle hitter. Freshman -- Katie Benko, middle-outside hitter
Strengths: "The girls this year have a spirit and personality as a team like I have never seen before. There is a great team connection off the court that I hope will allow them to have fun and enjoy the game they all love so much. We have seasoned players, and a good amount of younger players that have been doing great all summer and will continue to grow throughout the season."
Concerns: "Forming a connection with hitters and the setter has been a bit off throughout the summer, but with the inconsistency of summer practices, I think we will get that straightened out pretty quickly, once normal practices start. Consistency in passing has been impriving throughout the summer and I'm hoping that will continue once normal practices start, as well."
Overall outlook: "I'm looking forward to watching this team progress throughout the season. There is a lot of spirit, talent and passion on this team. I think we have the ability to do well this season once we work out a few kinks."
Assistant coach: Elaina Gehlman
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Julie Cavender, fifth year
Career record: 56-32
Last year's record: 11-11
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Emalee Cavander, outside hitter; Alayna Hill, libero. Juniors -- Ava Dilbert, middle hitter; Haydyn Lamborn, setter. Sophomore -- Payton Hinish, setter
Other returning players: Seniors -- Jazmyne Claycomb, outside hitter; Shanda Weyandt, outside hitter. Juniors -- Jayme Acker, middle hitter; Layla Diehl, middle hitter; Kaylee Morris, middle hitter; Dakota Wilbur, setter. Sophomores -- Autumn Frazier, outside hitter-libero; Charli Schneider, outside hitter
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Bailey Tipton, middle hitter; Destiny Bauman, setter; Alyssa Draeger, outside hitter; Jasmine Tremmel, outside hitter. Freshman -- Zailee Bush, setter.
Strengths: "Leadership on the floor with a few four-year starters."
Concerns: "Lack of experience."
Glendale
Coach: Brenda Hewitt
Career record: 66-41-2
Last year's record: 12-4
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Kaprice Cavalet, middle hitter; Koltlyn Cavalet, outside hitter.
Newcomers: Seniors--Skylar Franchok setter; Tierra Ewing, outside hitter; Emily Knarr, outside hitter; Caitlyn Rydbom, setter. Juniors--Jen Berryman, outside hitter; Emma Dudurich, setter; Jenna Monahan, outside hitter; Sophia Romana, utility; Ava Weld, middle hitter. Sophomores--Brianna Cree, utility; Addy Kelly, utility; Sarabeth Lloyd, middle hitter; Haley Mackin, outside hitter; Hanna Matish, setter; Rachel McClellan, outside hitter; Ava Rutter, setter; Mady Skeback, middle hitter.
Overall outlook: "We lost five of our starters to graduation last year, so we're a young team, but the girls are rising to the occasion, working hard and are gelling well."
Assistant coach: Brenda Wilson
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Dean Grenfell
Career record: 47-26
Last year's record: 17-3
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Lucy Stanek, outside hitter; Lexi McLanahan, libero; Sierra McGinnis, right side-outside hitter; Drew Kordish, setter; Elizabeth Wallace, middle blocker. Junior -- Emily Clapper, setter. Sophomore -- Sahara McNeal, middle blocker
Other returning players: Seniors -- Leah Zimmerman, outside hitter-right side
Newcomers: Seniors -- Maya Gartner-Pichler; Ava Barnes, defensive specialist. Juniors -- Kaitlyn Lenhart, setter-defensive specialist-right side; Cierra Shoop, middle blocker. Sophomores -- Nora Stanek, outside hitter-right side; Makenna Weimert, outside hitter-right side; Addison Basenbach, outside hitter-right side; Lila Dellinger, middle blocker
Strengths: "Large group of returners and a lot of experience with this year's group. Staying healthy will be key. Looking to build on last year's accomplishments along with gaining more experience against new teams at two tournaments."
Concerns: "Staying prepared night in and night out in a busy season will be mentally challenging this year. We have added two tournaments to push us against new opponents."
Overall outlook: "We are looking to build on the successes of last year and lean on returning experienced players to have a strong season."
Assistant coaches: Hannah Reed, Brandon Stitt, Claire Sauerland
Juniata Valley
Coach: Mary Reed, 19th season
Last year's record: 9-11
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Samantha Bishop, Elizabeth Manyara, Haylie Thompson, Allison Rodkey
Newcomers: Senior--Maddie Hopsicker. Juniors--Kassidy Watson, Maddy Mowrer, Selena Sunderland, Amelia Russell. Sophomores--Kaitlyn Sager, Paige Robinson, Madyson Burdge, Sidney Entrekin, Jada Ertwine, Maddy McCartney. Freshmen--Shealynn Bishop, Shawnee Bishop, Ava Sager, Chloe Weaver.
Strengths: "We have a great group of talented young ladies that have been playing together for six years. They have a strong teamwork and solid skills. I'm excited to watch this team in action."
Concerns: "As always, keeping them all strong and healthy throughout the season."
Assistant coach: Sara Estep
Junior high coaches: Christy Steidel, Tori Wilt
Northern Bedford
Coach: Shalonne Sipes, fourth year
Career record: 21-33
Last year's record: 12-7
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Addison Arcq, Lindsey Bolinger, Dani Imler, Halle Lingenfelter, Lacy McIlnay, Lainie Sipes. Junior -- Madison Miller
Other returning players: Seniors -- Samantha Corle, Kara Dietz. Juniors -- Abby Bowser, Addison Love. Sophomores -- Emalee Bowser, Kaylee Ebersole
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Elisa Camenga. Freshmen -- Grace Dainty, Amberly Detterline, Emma Detterline, Callie Miller, Ava Sipes
Strengths: "We have most of our starting lineup returning this season, many having started on the varsity team since their freshman and sophomore years. We have an experienced team with great chemistty and they know what it takes to be success and win games."
Concerns: "Injuries and illnesses are always a concern, especially within a small high school team. Additionally, since the ICC has been realigned, we are playing several teams that we have never played bfore. We will have to spend some time familiarizing ourselves with our opponent's strengths and weaknesses."
Overall outlook: "We are looking to have a winning successfull season. We set some big goals for ourselves, and I think we have what it takes to accomplish them."
Assistant coach: Jenn Davis
Penn Cambria
Coach: Travis Schluep, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 4-16
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Alyssa Zupon, setter; Patty Wagner, middle hitter. Juniors--Loren Stipanovich, middle hitter; Addison Hite, middle hitter; Sophia Rabatin, setter. Sophomores--Reagan Ronan, outside hitter; Makenna McCoy, outside hitter
Other returning players: Seniors--Gina Pettenati, outside, right hitter; Baylee Proudfit, setter. Juniors--Reese Swires, libero; Janessa Martynuska, right side hitter; Brenna Phister, defensive specialist; Nevaya Hoover, libero; Madisyn Farabaugh, outside, right side hitter; Mackenzy Farabaugh, outside, right side hitter. Sophomore--Emily Farabaugh, outside hitter
Newcomers: Sophomores--Lucy Mastri, middle hitter; Peyton Farabaugh, setter; Emalie Johns, right side hitter; Kaydynce Baney, middle hitter; Amelia Nileski, middle hitter
Strengths: "We have some talented middle hitters that will really help our team. They will be a big part of our offensive kills and our defensive blocks. Even though we are a younger team, we have a lot of girls who are returning with varsity experience. They've experienced the game enough to make us competitive this year. We have a team that is motivated to win. Many of the girls have been to every open gym and summer workout, and that dedication will go a long way."
Concerns: "We must be mentally tough. We can't let one mistake turn into several mistakes, and then we are in a catch up position. We need to make sure we earn points. We can't wait for teams to make mistakes; we must stay aggressive."
Overall outlook: "We have the talent and ambition to get ourselves to the playoffs. To get there, we must be mentally tough, minimize our mistakes, and play aggressively with our serving and attacks. Our middles will also play an important part in our success this year."
Assistant coach: April Gergely
Portage
Coach: Lauren Cordwell, seventh year
Career record: 65-54
Last year's record: 17-4
Conference: Heritage
Returning starters: Seniors--Trissa Smith, setter; Paige Phillips, middle; Annie Davis, middle; Jada Willinsky, libero; Sierra Crum, outside hitter.
Other returning players: Seniors--Allison Gabel, outside; Tori Harrison, outside. Juniors--Lyndsey Castel, outside; Payton Noll, outside. Sophomores--Olivia Girard, middle; Calla Miko, middle; Ava Offman, outside; Kaidi Kauffman, setter.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Addyson Jodon, outside; Bridget Semanchik, outside; Kaylie Grove, outside; Keira McCarty, middle; Kylie Hess, outside; Mya Selapack, setter.
Strengths: "This team is very dedicated, and the seniors have lots of varsity playing experience. They should compete to be at the top of the Heritage Conference again."
Concerns: "We must continue to play and work together as a team."
Overall outlook: "We need to stay focused on the goal and continue to work hard each day to improve our skills. We should succeed if we stick to what works for us."
Assistant coaches: Mary Walls, Marla Nesbella
Tyrone
Coach: Alesha Weaver, second year
Career record: 15-7
Last year's record: 15-7
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Madelyn Rockwell, setter; Tiffanie Tuskovich, middle, right side; Brianna Harris, outside hitter, defense. Juniors--Kylee Nelson, libero; Taylan McGlynn, middle, right side.
Other returning players: Junior--Sarah Zimmerman, defense, libero. Sophomores--Rylan Crowell, outside hitter; Bailey Woomer, setter; Elise Volders, middle, right side; Raeleigh Oliver, defense, libero; Allison McNelis, right side; Sarila Hensley, outside hitter, middle, right side; Sidney Goodwin, setter, right side; Abigail Anthony, outside hitter, right side, defense.
Newcomers: Sophomore--Olivia Williams, middle. Freshmen--Kaitlyn Rockwell, outside hitter, middle, right side; Kaylee Little; Teagan Sharer, Haliegh Hunter.
Strengths: "We have five starters returning and a lot of returning underclassmen who are ready to step into some pretty big roles. They have confidence, tough defense and aggressive offense."
Overall outlook: "We have an experienced team returning. They are ready to continue to build on where we left off last year. We have some underclassmen ready to step into big roles, and we are excited to see them hit the ground running like there was never a skipped beat."
Assistant coach: Brandi Moyer
Williamsburg
Coach: Marina Brubaker, fifth year
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Hannah Dixon, Billie Harnish, Leah Criswell. Juniors -- Abby James, Scotty Barroner, Samantha England, Eleanor Brubaker
Other returning players: Junior -- Alaba Bowmaster. Sophomore -- Jana Somers
Newcomers: Sophomore --Maura Cresswell. Freshman -- Raina Alexander
Strengths: "Returning the entire starting varsity lineup except for one graduate from last season. Small group allowing for more one-one-one coaching and a more close knit team."
Concerns: "1. Injury potential -- small group of girls that need to stay healthy in order to succeed. 2. No junior high team within the Williamsburg Community School District -- players do not learn fundamentals until much later as compared to every other school within our league."
Overall outlook: "Positivity, strong work ethic and working together are what will lead us to success."
Assistant coach: Olivia Aurandt