Lady Tigers counting on 3 volleyball all-stars in quest for another district title
2026 High school girls volleyball
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Hollidaysburg will return three Altoona Mirror first-team all-stars as it attempts to defend its District 6 high school girls volleyball championship.
Makenzi McLanahan, Delayni Baird and Kynlee Budny will be back for the Lady Tigers a year after Hollidaysburg reclaimed its championship with a sweep of Central Mountain.
Bishop Carroll Catholic also returns talent with a pair of Mirror first-team all-stars in Olivia Gregg and Emily Olienyk.
Penn Cambria, which has a new head coach in Eden Ronan, returns first-teamer Lily Gergely, and Central Cambria will welcome back first-teamer Rowyn Ruddek from a team that won the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship a year ago.
New in 2026 will be the addition of two classes in high school girls volleyball as it expands from four classes to six, giving more teams opportunities to win district championships as the number of players participating in the sport across the state has increased.
The following is a capsulized look at each team from the Mirror's core coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: John Saboe, eighth year
Career record: 37-81
Last year's record: 0-16
League: Mid-Penn Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Selena Lopez-Oakes, setter. Juniors--Ava Miller, middle hitter; Addison Mitchell, outside hitter. Sophomore--Morgan Thompson, setter
Other returning players: Seniors--Maleah Koch, opposite; Alexandra Rosenberry, defense; Kayden Weyandt, middle hitter. Juniors--Mayah Bower, middle hitter/opposite; Marissa Ross, setter/defense. Sophomores--Haleigh Fisher, outside hitter; Zaraya Henderson, middle hitter; Everly Nixon, opposite; Anjali Patel, middle hitter/opposite; Maddalyn Rupp, outside hitter/opposite
Newcomers: Freshmen--Claire Betar, defense; Mackenzie Cherry, setter/defense; Brynn Daniel, outside hitter; Leah Evangelisto, defense/setter; Piper Freet, middle hitter; Emma Fries, defense/setter; Kassidi Glunt, middle hitter; Ava Lardieri, outside hitter/middle hitter; Harper Mallery, setter; Hayden Over, defense; Layla Reed, setter/defense; Paityn Wilt, defense
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 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 working to be 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 4A title by the end of the season."
Assistant coaches: Andrea Kiser, Makenzie Negri (volunteer), Bryan Beckel (volunteer), Alyssa Rumberger (volunteer), Karan Price (volunteer), Lyzee Wilson (volunteer), Derek Trimmer (volunteer), Matt Rupp (volunteer)
Junior high coaches: Alyssa Fasolo (head coach), Matt Rupp (assistant coach), Annie Rupp (volunteer)
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Karlie Lenning, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 4-16, 3-7 in LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Lauren Marinak, setter; Scotlyn Hassler, middle; Ava Worthing, outside; Olivia Rishel, right side; Giuliana Gummo, libero; Alexis Wagner, libero. Juniors--Hayden Taylor, setter; Abby Clabaugh, outside
Other returning players: Sophomores--Amelia Gerwert, middle; Izzy Weeks, right side
Strengths: "Our biggest strength is the energy and effort these girls bring to the court. We have a group of girls who are committed to improving, competing and building each other up. Their effort and teamwork has been impressive."
Concerns: "Like any team, we have areas we need to continue to improve. Consistency and staying mentally tough when things don't go our way will be important for us. We're focusing on getting better every day and continuing to grow together."
Overall outlook: "I'm really excited about the potential of this team. We have a lot of talent, but more importantly, we have girls who are willing to work hard and put the team first. If we continue to improve, compete, and play with confidence, I think we can have a really successful season."
Assistant coach: Allison Clabaugh
Junior high coaches: Brandon Frazeur, Mackenzie Lechner
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Kate Patrick, second year
Career record: 15-11
Last year's record: 15-11
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Olivia Gregg, outside hitter; Emily Olienyk, middle hitter; Adison Myers, middle hitter; Lily Strait, setter
Other returning players: Seniors--Grace Blake, outside hitter/right side; Maddie Harker, right side. Junior--Cora Koscho, libero. Sophomores--Kaydyn Smith, outside hitter/right side; Kenadee Farabaugh, defense
Newcomers: Junior--Ryan McMahon. Sophomores--Lila Emerson, Lily Lytle, Sydney Byich, Ella Beiswenger, Gabby Buterbaugh. Freshmen--Lily Rhoades, Lena Beppler, Leah Kirsch
Strengths: "We have a solid group of strong leaders on the team with a drive to do big things this season. Team chemistry is really looking good too. I am excited for what's in store for us."
Concerns: "The team will continue to bond over the season pulling more energy onto the court and bench which will make a difference come tight games."
Overall outlook: "Overall outlook for this season is good. We have big goals and are working hard to achieve them."
Assistant coach: Mara Yahner
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Cassidy Pennypacker, second year
Career record: 2-16
Last year's record: 2-16
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starter: Senior--Adriana Myers, outside hitter
Other returning players: Juniors--Grace Cioffari, setter; Noelle Conrad, middle hitter; Rowan Craig, outside hitter; Morgan Ebersole, offside; Evie Koch, setter
Newcomers: Sophomores--Maddison Johnson, libero; Morgan Geishauser, middle hitter; Jayden Pooley, middle hitter; Addison Eash, offside; Sydney Burns, outside hitter; Ella Lauver, outside hitter; Logan Settle, middle hitter; Leah Musselman, outside hitter; Itzabella Cosme-Negron, defense; Mileah Reighard, offside; Brooke Swasing, libero. Freshman--McKenna Maddas, outside hitter
Strengths: "This group has a tremendous work ethic and a genuine love for volleyball. They put in the work both inside and outside of practice, are eager to learn, and have really bought into playing for one another. They may be young, but the skill and commitment are absolutely there."
Concerns: "Our biggest challenge will be continuing to develop consistency and confidence as a young varsity team. These girls have the skills, now it is about trusting themselves, trusting each other, and continuing to grow together throughout the season."
Overall outlook: "We are incredibly excited about this group and what they represent for the future of our program. They are talented, hardworking and have great attitudes. This team has an opportunity to continue setting the foundation for the program we are building, while still being competitive and successful right now. We expect them to grow throughout the season, but we also expect them to surprise some people along the way."
Assistant coach: Vaia Pentsas-Myers
Junior high coaches: Becky Earnest, Cassidy Pennypacker
Cambria Heights
Coach: Jon Farabaugh, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 10-16
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Clair Nihart, setter; Aubry Ranck, middle. Junior--Elena Eckenrode, outside hitter. Sophomores--Jordan Westrick, setter; Julia Karlheim, middle
Other players: Seniors--Grace Hock, defense; Kaitlyn Fox, Abby Terza, Cara Jacobs. Junior--Amelia Bertram. Sophomores--Roberta Stoltz, Brie Kirsch, outside hitter; Becca Weiland, Evy Smithmyer, Amirah Cruz, Kinley Farabaugh, libero; Ava MacNulty, Hannah Farabaugh
Strengths: "I love this team's relentless work ethic and "never-give-up" attitude this year. What makes us truly special is our identity as a scrappy team that thrives on overcoming adversity and outworking every opponent. Our biggest strengths are our deep chemistry and a collective grit that keeps us dangerous in every single game."
Concerns: "Our primary weaknesses right now is maintaining consistent ball control and avoiding the trap of playing down to our competition. We risk running into challenges if we lose focus during high-pressure moments or let our intensity drop against lower-ranked opponents. To overcome this, we must stay disciplined, practice with the same high energy we want in games, and respect every opponent equally."
Overall outlook: "Our primary goal this year is to remain highly competitive each and every match, pushing ourselves to fight for every single point. At the same time, we want to maintain a positive attitude and remember to have fun and truly enjoy playing together. Balancing that fierce drive to win with a genuine love for the game will be the ultimate key to our success."
Assistant coach: Michelle Nihart
Junior high coaches: Amber Fees, Krissy Sowers
Central
Coach: Mary Baker, 18th year
Last year's record: 3-15
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Ellie Fisher, Addie Imes, Lily Lightner. Juniors--Aubreyalice Flamish, Lanah Goff, Ella Karstetter, Addie Rea, Alyssa Steele. Sophomore--Maddie Ayers
Newcomers: Senior--Lucy Lightner, setter. Junior--Peyton Walter, opposite. Sophomores--Brynlee Beach, outside hitter, defense; Payton Mattis, outside hitter, middle
Strengths: "We have many returning starters from last year's team. This team works really well together. We have some size in the front row and are a solid serving and blocking team. This team has a great core of players that want to do well and continue to improve."
Concerns: "Playing consistently and developing a solid offense."
Overall outlook: "We are returning a strong core of solid players and along with the newcomers who have improved during the off season. We hope to play aggressively and compete in the LHAC."
Assistant coach: Tracee Baker
Junior high coaches: Ashley Smith, Aaron Bowers
Central Cambria
Coach: Leah Montgomery, third year at Central Cambria, 31st overall
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Rowyn Ruddek, outside hitter; Riley Kauffman, setter; Katie Benko, midfielder. Junior--Mara Pablic, outside hitter. Sophomore--Eryn Kauffman, right side
Other returning players: Seniors--Kaitlyn Zernick, defense; Camryn Matlin, defense/right side; Ella Conrad, setter/defense; Hannah Amigh, outside hitter. Juniors--Aubrey Kabo, outside hitter/right side; Gianna Grimaldi, middle hitter; Mekenna Kim, setter
Newcomers: Sophomores--Alainah Fishel, defense; Ella McQuay, outside hitter; Ella Neves, right side; Hadleigh Strittmatter, middle hitter; Matty Nadolsky, middle hitter. Freshman--Kenlee Cordwell, setter
Strengths: "Experience, talent, coachable, positive attitudes and teamwork."
Concerns: "Injury. A couple of the girls get down easily, and we need to continue to work on that."
Overall outlook: "We should do well this season and be able to be competitive throughout the season and postseason barring injury."
Assistant coach: Alli Malay, Lauren Cordwell (volunteer)
Junior high coaches: Cathy Gilkey, Keith Gilkey
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Laura Mortimore, third year
Career record: 17-19
Last year's record: 12-7
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Grayce Douglas, Lauren Imler, Isabella Paris, Caroline Bass, Lanah Herline, Kaitlyn Mortimore
Other returning players: Anna Jackson, Lily Claar, Adalyn Weyandt, Harlee Harclerode, Cailynn Imler, Aleah Rightenour, Emma Kelly, Kaleigh Murtagh, Reahanna Wood, Kaylee Thompson, Aubrey Walters
Newcomers: Rachel Furhman, Alexis Rightenour, Claire McClowski, Natalie Feather, Aunnika Imler
Strengths: "We have a solid group of returnees that bring a lot of experience along with a deep bench with great skills."
Concerns: "We are working to be more consistent both defensively and offensively, which takes time for the girls to learn each other and grow together."
Overall outlook: "This is a great group of girls with a lot of talent. It's going to be fun to watch this group come together and raise the level of play for our school."
Assistant coach: Ally Dickens
Junior high coaches: Kealey Long, Peri Bagley
Glendale
Coach: Brenda Hewitt, ninth year
Career record: 106-74-2
Last year's record: 14-15-1
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Taya Mazenko, utility; Olivia Frank, outside hitter. Juniors--Avery Crynock, setter; Lia Dick, outside hitter. Sophomores--Rosalie McClellan, outside hitter; Emily Sinclair, middle hitter
Newcomers: Juniors--Hannah Bollinger, setter; Leah Boslet, utility; Gabriella Leiden, middle hitter; Claire Kozak, setter. Sophomores--Kendall Collins, utility; Tessa Hamilton, middle hitter; Ansley Oshall, setter. Freshmen--Emma Fyock, libero; Emma Hamilton, outside
Overall outlook: "We are looking to rebuild as we lost five of our starting lineup to graduation."
Assistant coach: Brenda Wilson
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Brandon Stitt, third year
Career record: 36-7
Last year's record: 19-3
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors--Kynlee Budny, outside hitter; Delayni Baird, setter; Makenzie McLanahan, libero; Lena Ransom, middle hitter; Jessica Becker, defense
Other returning players: Senior--Peyton Kephart, defense. Juniors--Bella Basenback, outside hitter; Taryn Leighty, middle hitter; Genevieve Peacock, defense. Sophomores--Brooklyn Boggetta, right side hitter; Lilah Black, middle hitter; Bree Hall, middle hitter/right side; Samira Patel, setter; Raylin Murray, libero/defense; Morgan Berkheimer, defense/libero; Addie Horell, outside hitter; Eva Lantz, defense
Newcomers: Sophomore--Gretta Burke, right side hitter. Freshmen--Lucy Belicic, setter; Leili Robinson, middle hitter; Sophia Joseph, outside hitter; Avery Wagner, outside hitter; Adi Bergman, right side/middle hitter; Rilynn Chandler, defense
Strengths: "We have experience at some key positions with five returning starters and a couple others who have gotten some varsity experience."
Concerns: "Lack of seniors on the roster means we are looking for juniors to step up into a leadership role."
Overall outlook: "Optimistic for this season; we should be solid at every area of the game."
Assistant coaches: Kylee Nelson, Dean Grenfell
Junior high coach: Alexis Keagy
Juniata Valley
Coach: Mary Reed, 22nd year
Last year's record: 10-9
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Jocelyn McMahon, Ava Sager, Shawnee Bishop. Juniors--Addie Borst, Ava Wise
Other returning players: Seniors--Gracey Smith, Lexey Smith, Chloe Weaver, Shealynn Bishop, Sheridan McGargle, Natalie Thompson. Juniors--Mazzy Hartman, Julia Jackson, McKenzi Harpster, Chassity Houck, Leah Lightner
Newcomers: Sophomores--Gabriella Scott, Isobel Hess, Kyah Bishop. Freshmen--Chloe Borst, Charlotte Boyd, Harper Boyd, Vada Weaver
Strengths: "Teamwork. This team has played together for several seasons."
Concerns: "Keeping everyone strong and healthy."
Overall outlook: "This team is dedicated and loves the game. Excited to see them in action this season. They are hardworking, dedicated and aggressive. They leave it all on the floor."
Assistant coach: Christy Steidle
Junior high coaches: Tori Wilt, Emma Musser
Northern Bedford
Coach: Shalonne Sipes, seventh year
Career record: 48-67
Last year's record: 5-16
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Grace Dainty, outside hitter; Amberly Detterline, middle; Ava Sipes, outside hitter; Ember Martin, opposite. Sophomore--Hadassah Brockus, middle
Other returning players: Seniors--Kassidy Claycomb, Cara Bywater. Juniors--Molli Stepisianos, Josie Robinette, Alexia Helsel. Sophomore--Breanna Bollman
Newcomers: Sophomores--Maclyn Steele, Sophia Kensinger. Freshmen--Chloe White, Chloe Wentz, Harper Lafferty, Berkley Musselman, Alex Snider, Sophia Salas, Maddie Pearce, Avery Love
Strengths: "We are returning several starters from last season and have strong senior leadership. This group is very coachable, competitive and has the desire to get better every day."
Concerns: "Illness/injury, overall depth as almost half of our team are newcomers (ninth/10th graders)."
Overall outlook: "We look to be competitive within our conference (ICC East) and make a run in district playoffs. The girls didn't have the season they were looking to have last year, and they want to take care of some unfinished business."
Assistant coach: Jenn Davis
Junior high coaches: Betsy Francke, Ally Ritchey
Penn Cambria
Coach: Eden Ronan, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 14-10-1, 7-7 in LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors--Kate Eckenrode, outside hitter; Lily Gergely, middle/outside hitter
Other returning players: Senior--Eden Davison, middle hitter; Isabelle Weisinger, right side/outside hitter. Juniors--Katie Morana, libero/defense; Maddy Kittell, setter; Clare Rice, setter/middle hitter; Eva Packer, outside hitter
Newcomers: Juniors--Aubry Packer, outside hitter; Natalie Rossman, libero/defense; Adrienne Ditosti, middle hitter. Sophomores--Miranda Holland, right side; Anelaine Scott, middle hitter; Arianna Walters, right side; Ellie Marshall, outside/defense; Emalyn Smith, libero/defense; Jenelle Strayer, middle hitter; Kailyn Thomas, setter; Laura Farabaugh, outside hitter; Samara Piotti, setter. Freshmen--Addisyn Vinglas, outside hitter; Genevieve Shay, libero/defense; Kamryn Kunowsky, right side; Sophia Tiracave, right side
Strengths: "Our biggest strength is our work ethic. These girls are quick to adapt and they've improved so much since I took over in April. I can't wait to see what they look like in October.
Concerns: "We had a handful of girls change positions, so just finding our confidence and groove.
Overall outlook: "We are so excited for this season. It can be nerve wracking when new coaches come into the picture, but the girls have been so open to our teachings and standards. I'm so proud of how much they've already grown. I'm eager for them to see their hard work pay off."
Portage
Coach: Mary Miller, third year
Career record: 11-32
Last year's record: 7-20
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Mya Selapack, setter; Kylie Hess, libero; Kiera McCarty, middle hitter; Bridget Semanchik, outside hitter; Contessa Smith, defense; Addyson Jodon, defense. Juniors--Johanna Noel, outside hitter; Mya Burda, right side hitter
Other returning players: Senior--Kaylie Grove, defense. Junior--Lucy Lee, outside hitter. Sophomores--Chloe Trusik, setter; Josie Sossong, middle hitter; Stephanie Lee, outside hitter; Nina Allison, outside hitter; Cameron Phillips, outside hitter; Bailey Maul, right side hitter; Brooke Stager, defense; Lyana Perez, defense; Zoey Boast, libero
Newcomers: Freshmen--Maliyah Conrad, middle hitter; Ava Cadwallader, outside hitter; Addison Bruscha, defense; Lillie Layo, defense; Paisley Hollen, defense
Strengths: "A strength that our team possesses is that we have a very close senior group that has developed chemistry throughout their years of playing. We have strived to be a resilient team that overcomes adversity. I think that our senior leadership and resilience will be a huge factor this season."
Concerns: "As a team, we have discussed the importance of the 'mental game' in volleyball, and how this has a huge impact on the result of a game. Our goal this year is to not dwell on errors, make corrections in the moment, and mentally push through adversity."
Overall outlook: "Our team has a lot of heart and a desire to win. I think this team has all the potential in the world to do amazing things this season, and the future of our team looks very promising as well."
Assistant coaches: Marla Nesbella, Phillip Miller
Junior high coaches: Megan Semanchik, Sierra Swope
Tyrone
Coach: Alesha Weaver, fourth year
Career record: 41-34
Last year's record: 8-10
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors--Amaya Martin, setter; Lola Woomer, middle; Lily Rossman, outside hitter. Sophomore--Jocelyn Ciampoli, outside hitter
Other returning players: Seniors--Kaylee Little, defense; Haliegh Hunter, defense. Sophomores--Maura Gelhman, defense; Zoey Barnhart, middle hitter
Newcomers: Freshmen--Alexa Wolfe, Rayna McClellan, Addalee Marshall, Maci Day-Walk, Lily Desch, Ally Ettaro, Peyton Miller
Strengths: "Our team has been working hard, competing, their focus."
Concerns: "We are a young team with only a few returning starters but a lot of potential in the newcomers."
Overall outlook: "We've been looking great over the summer and preseason. The newcomers are adjusting to a higher, faster pace of game. Our returning players and pushing them and integrating with them well. It's like they've been playing together for much longer than they really have been."
Assistant coach: Sydney McGinnis
Junior high coaches: Jared Barroner, Sidney Goodwin
Williamsburg
Coach: Olivia Aurandt, second year
Career record: 8-12
Last year's record: 8-12
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Kylie Simpson, Bella Strohmeyer, Katie Merrits, Raina Alexander, Jordan Flaig, Karsyn Walter
Other returning players: Addison Johnson, Rylee Walters, Elizabeth Nichols, Sariah Beatty
Newcomers: Dakota Talbert, Aria Frye, Whitney Foor, Myah Clark, Kierstyn Davensizer
Strengths: "We are a growing program that has stayed dedicated to enhancing not only the varsity level, but also our junior high level to create a stronger future. A strong senior and junior class that was committed through the winter and summer on personal and team improvements."
Concerns: "Mentality and teamwork. Learning we grow and win as one rather than trying to fight a losing battle on our own. Learning to rely on teammates rather than instill high pressure on ourselves alone."
Overall outlook: "Positive outlook on the season in an attempt to keep growing stronger."
Assistant coaches: Krista Simpson, Makayla Kipe
Junior high coach: Scotlyn Baronner