Penn-Trafford Boys’ Volleyball Advances in PIAA Championships with Win Over State College
STATE COLLEGE – The Penn-Trafford boys’ volleyball team demonstrated remarkable resilience as they secured a victory against State College in the first round of the PIAA Class 3A Championships, winning 25-16, 25-21, 25-19. While they finished third in Section II of the WPIAL during the regular season, the Warriors have significantly improved their performance in the postseason.
Head coach Jim Schall praised his players for their dedication and hard work over the past few weeks, emphasizing their ability to overcome challenges after a difficult start to the season. With this win, Penn-Trafford is set to face WPIAL champion North Allegheny in the quarterfinals, a rematch following their earlier loss to the same team on April 16.
State College, the District 6 champion, faced considerable obstacles in this match, notably missing key player Carter Weight due to a back injury. Head coach Larry Campbell noted Weight’s absence greatly impacted their offense, highlighting his status as one of the state’s top outside hitters.
Despite being at a disadvantage, State College’s standout player, Derrick Campbell, showed leadership and skill, making several key plays that kept his team competitive. Unfortunately, the Little Lions struggled to maintain momentum, falling behind early in each set.
The match showcased Penn-Trafford’s dominance from the start, particularly highlighted by Connor Evangeliste’s pivotal serving that included back-to-back aces in the first set. Senior Nathaniel Rugh also contributed significantly, energizing the crowd with a decisive play in the closing moments of the match.
As Penn-Trafford revels in this victory, they look to build upon this momentum in their upcoming quarterfinal game.
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