Inexperienced players will get their chances to play in 2024 | News, Sports, Jobs

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Senior Emily Clapper will be a key player for Hollidaysburg new coach Brandon Stitt to count on for leadership.

By Nate Ritchey

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The Altoona Mirror core coverage area lost a lot of individual talent from last season as 10 of the 15 2023 Mirror first-team all-stars have graduated.

In addition to the top team losing a lot, eight of the 14 that made the second team have also graduated.

However, that means that new talent will need to rise to the top in both ability and leadership if any of the 16 teams in the coverage area want to enjoy team success.

Last season, Altoona and Hollidaysburg advanced to the District 6 title games in Class 4A and 3A, respectively, before losing.

The Lady Lions bring back seniors Samantha Page and Ellaina Saylor from the Mirror first team, while the Lady Golden Tigers return senior Emily Clapper from the top team.

Bishop Carroll and Portage both saw its seasons come to a close in the Class 1A semifinals.

The Lady Huskies have sophomore Olivia Gregg back from the Mirror second squad.

Also, back from the first team are seniors Madison Miller of Northern Bedford and Kylee Nelson of Tyrone, and second-team returnees include seniors Ava Patton and Addy Turek of Bellwood-Antis, senior Kassidy Watson of Juniata Valley and junior Rylan Crowell of Tyrone.

The following is a capsule look at the girls volleyball teams in the Mirror’s core coverage area:

Altoona

Coach: John Saboe, sixth year

Career record: 33-50

Last year’s record: 9-8

Conference: Mid-Penn Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Samantha Page, setter; Ellaina Saylor, opposite; Ava Steinbugl, outside hitter. Juniors–Megan Kelly, outside hitter; Annalyse Yost, middle hitter.

Other returners: Senior–Karinna Wolfe, defensive specialist; Juniors–Mylin Betz, outside hitter; Maraya Bittner, setter; Sage Bower, opposite; Kihlee Noel, middle hitter; Marina Petucci, defensive specialist. Sophomores–Sophia Knorr, outside hitter; Maleah Koch, middle hitter; Selena Lopez-Oakes, setter; Addison Mielnik, outside hitter; Ally Rosenberry, defensive specialist; Kayden Weyandt, middle hitter.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Brianna Sanchez, opposite. Freshmen–Livi Adams, setter; Mayah Bower, opposite; Sarah Glenny, libero; Ava Miller, middle hitter; Addison Mitchell, outside hitter; Emily Nordick, outside hitter; Yaneliz Robles-Perez, middle hitter; Marissa Rosas, setter; Jada Snyder, 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: Alyssa Fasolo, Caleb Fries, Mycah Long, Makenzie Negri, Karan Price, Mitchell Snyder

Junior high coaches: Alyssa Fasolo, Caleb Fries, Mycah Long, Makenzie Negri

Bellwood-Antis

Coach: Sophie McFarland, third year

Career record: 18-12

Last year’s record: 11-8

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Avah Hassler, setter; Johanna Heckman, outside hitter; Ava Patton, outside hitter/libero; Addy Turek, middle. Junior–Bella Myers, middle.

Other returners: Senior–Morgan Kienzie, opposite. Juniors–Riley Barnhart, opposite/outside hitter; Alia Bennett, defensive specialist/libero; Lily McNelis, opposite/outside hitter. Sophomores–Izzy Caracciolo, opposite/outside hitter; Giuliana Gummo, defensive specialist/outside hitter; Scotlyn Hassler, middle hitter/opposite; Lauren Marinak, setter; Emma Miller, middle; Olivia Rishel, middle/outside hitter; Alexis Wagner, defensive specialist/libero; Ava Worthing, middle/outside hitter.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Lily Briggs, middle; Abby Clabaugh, middle/outside hitter; Allison Heisler, setter; Macy Keller, defensive specialist/opposite; Calista Long, middle; Hayden Taylor, outside hitter/defensive specialist.

Strengths: “We have a great group of returning letterwinners, along with a strong and experienced senior class. We have depth on the bench this year, too, with a lot of young talent.”

Concerns: “We really need some people to step up on defense this year to allow us to effectively run an offense.”

Overall outlook: “We are really excited for this season. Our team has worked hard this past offseason, and we’re looking forward to facing the LHAC competition again. I have a lot of confidence in these girls to do big things this year.”

Assistant coach: Melissa Wolfe

Junior high coach: Brandon Frazeur

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Jackie Koscho, fourth year

Career record: 22-38

Last year’s record: 14-11

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Samantha Buynack, libero. Juniors–Sophie Becquet, outside hitter; Allie Dziabo, middle hitter. Sophomore–Olivia Gregg, outside hitter.

Other returners: Seniors–Melinda Harker, opposite side hitter; Greta Krumenacker, setter. Sophomore–Emily Olienyk, middle hitter.

Newcomers: Juniors–Taylor Diehl, middle blocker; Alena Nagle, outside hitter; Alivia Nagle, defensive specialist; Kylee Newfield, defensive specialist/libero. Sophomores–Grace Blake, outside hitter; Madilynn Harker, opposite; Adison Myers, middle blocker; Lily Strait, setter. Freshman–Cora Koscho, libero/defensive specialist.

Strengths: “Our team is a very cohesive group of girls. One of their best assets is that they are able to work through just about any situation, and they always try to help each other.”

Concerns: “One possible concern is that our team remains fairly young. Being in pressure situations is not as easy when you don’t have the experience with it, and the LHAC is a tough conference.”

Overall outlook: “We are very optimistic for a great season. No matter what the outcome, we know that the girls will be giving it their all this year.”

Assistant coach: Erin Becquet

Junior high coaches: Jackie Koscho, Erin Becquet

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Mark Bennett, third year

Career record: 17-21

Last year’s record: 1-15

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Stephanie Bohn, libero; Caidence Cover, defensive specialist; Rowan Disabato, setter; Riley Gofus, middle hitter. Junior–Annalise Casillo, outside hitter. Sophomore–Anberlyn Petrecca, outside hitter.

Other returners: Senior–Maddie Kling, defensive specialist. Juniors–Rebekah Adams, right side hitter; Lilly Butterbaugh, middle hitter; Leah Byrne, right side hitter; Isabella Casanave, defensive specialist; Lauren Lehman, middle hitter; Amelia Orr, middle hitter.

Newcomers: Seniors–Estella Koch, outside hitter; Lily Negola, right side hitter; Carolyn Maguda, middle hitter. Juniors–Myah Bennett, libero; Violet Over, setter. Sophomores–Hannah Homan, outside hitter; Adrianna Myers, outside hitter; Lyla Stewart, middle hitter. Freshman–Mary Haigh, middle hitter.

Strengths: “Experience at the middle, setter and libero positions.”

Concerns: “Passing and defense.”

Overall outlook: “We are a much improved team from last year. With the addition of talented underclassmen, we are anticipating success this season.”

Assistant coaches: Amy Bennett, Vaia Pentsas, Carleen Thomas

Junior high coach: Cassidy Platt

Cambria Heights

Coach: Doug Farabaugh, sixth year

Career record: 42-33

Last year’s record: 9-9

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Regan Conrad, outside hitter; Maelyn Dutko, setter; Gina Lane, defensive specialist; Alayna McCombie, defensive specialist; Izzy Terza, middle blocker;

Other returners: Seniors–Jordyn Dubois, setter; Mallory Sherry, middle blocker. Juniors–Sophia Cann, right side hitter; Carly Sowers, outside hitter. Sophomores–Aubrey Rank, middle blocker; Kaylen Snyder, outside hitter.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Kaitlyn Fox, right side hitter; Grace Hock, defensive specialist; Cara Jacobs, outside hitter; Ellie Kerfonta, setter/defensive specialist; Emma Lewis, right side hitter; Clare Nihart, setter/right side hitter; Abby Terza, middle blocker; Lilly Wilkie, outside hitter. Freshman–Elena Eckenrode, outside hitter.

Strengths: “We have a lot of experience coming back this year. We’ll serve aggressively.”

Concerns: “Passing consistency and making too many unforced errors.”

Overall outlook: “We worked hard in the offseason and have really come together as a team. We want to finish in the top four of our conference and play for a conference championship. Last year, we qualified for the playoffs and went out early, so we’d like to qualify again this year and make a deeper run.”

Assistant coach: Andy Christoff

Junior high coach: John Farabaugh

Central

Coach: Mary Baker, first year in this stint, 16th year overall

Last year’s record: 7-13

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Dessa Boyles, middle blocker; Kaylee Kensinger, defensive specialist; Alayna Mingle, defensive specialist/pin hitter. Junior–Amber Shade, setter.

Other returners: Juniors–Jaycie Butler, defensive specialist; Addison Closson, middle blocker; Delaney Hoover, pin hitter; Sophia Marco, defensive specialist; Kerri Mock, pin hitter.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Ellie Fisher, pin hitter.

Strengths: “Senior Dessa Boyles is an excellent middle blocker. She will be one of our key players on the net. Junior Amber Shade, who has some varsity experience, will be returning as our main setter. We have depth from our back row specialists Alayna Mingle and Kaylee Kensinger.”

Concerns: “We are a young, inexperienced varsity team and will be relying on our seniors for leadership. Most key positions have new and inexperienced players.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to improving upon last year’s record. Players are working hard, and one of the team’s goals is to make an appearance at districts.”

Assistant coaches: Ken Streilein, Jill Parilla

Junior high coaches: Ashley Smith, Heather Van Winkle

Central Cambria

Coach: Leah Montgomery, first year at Central Cambria

Last year’s record: 8-15-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning players: Seniors–Sophie Blasko, outside hitter/opposite; Morgan Eppliey, defensive specialist; Lou Galli, outside hitter/opposite; Lola Taylor, middle hitter; Maddie Tompkins, defensive specialist. Juniors–Erica Brouse, outside hitter; Maryn Shirk, outside hitter/defensive specialist. Sophomore–Katie Benko, outside hitter/opposite/middle hitter; Ella Conrad, opposite/defensive specialist; Riley Kauffman, setter; Cameron Matlin, outside hitter; Nevaya Noble, outside hitter/defensive specialist; Rowan Ruddek, outside hitter/opposite; Kaitlyn Zernick, outside hitter/defensive specialist.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Hannah Amigh, outside hitter/middle hitter; Gianna Grimaldi, middle hitter; Aubry Kabo, opposite/defensive specialist; Makenna Kim, setter; Mara Pablic, middle hitter/outside hitter/opposite.

Strengths: “Athleticism, positivity, coachable and wanting to do well.”

Concerns: “Confidence, young and injuries.”

Overall outlook: “Great group of girls who are very coachable, athletic and want to win. A young team who will get more confident as the season goes on. We should do well barring any injury or drama, and are able to maintain confidence.”

Assistant coaches: Casey Brouse, Elaina Gehlman

Junior high coaches: Cathy Gilkey, Kendra Fox

Claysburg-Kimmel

Coach: Laura Mortimore, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 9-11

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Ava Dibert, hitter; Haydyn Lamborn, setter.

Other returners: Seniors–Jayme Acker, hitter; Layla Diehl, hitter; Kaylee Morris, hitter. Juniors–Destiny Bowman, hitter; Payton Hinish, setter; Alicia Musselman, hitter; Lauren Roxby, hitter; Bailey Tipton, hitter.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Grayce Douglas, setter; Rylie Murphy, hitter. Freshmen–Caroline Bass, hitter; Harlee Harclerode, setter; Lauren Imler, setter; Isabella Paris, hitter; Alexys Tomlinson, hitter.

Strengths: “This group is a great mix of talent that works well together and wants to continue to improve Claysburg volleyball.”

Concerns: “The group is very young. They will need to adapt to the change in speed of the game quickly to be successful.”

Overall outlook: “This group wants to push each other to get to the next level of volleyball, which is going to be their overall contribution to the program in Claysburg.”

Assistant coaches: Michelle Imler, Melody Musselman

Junior high coaches: Emma Gill, Kealey Long, Emily Rightnour

Glendale

Coach: Brenda Hewitt, eighth year

Career record: 73-47-2

Last year’s record: 8-7

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Ava Weld, middle hitter. Juniors–Rachel McClellan, outside hitter; Ava Rutter, libero.

Other returners: None

Newcomers: Seniors–Jen Berryman, outside hitter; Constantina Crull, outside hitter; Emma Dudurich, setter; Jenna Monahan, outside hitter; Sophia Romana, utility. Juniors–Addy Kelly, utility; Haley Mackin, outside hitter; Hanna Matish, setter; Mady Skebeck, middle hitter. Sophomores–Taya Mazenko, utility; Olivia Feige, setter; Olivia Frank, outside hitter; Makenna Wilkinson, utility.

Strengths: “My returning letterwinners have stepped up and are leaders on the team. Players are working hard to earn one of the vacant starting positions.”

Concerns: “We are a young team, but the girls are not letting that become a barrier.”

Overall outlook: “We are rebuilding with a vengeance. The girls are really stepping up to fill the gaps left by graduation.”

Assistant coach: Brenda Wilson

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Brandon Stitt, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 17-3

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Emily Clapper, setter/right side hitter. Juniors–Addison Basenback, outside hitter; Makenna Weimert, right side hitter

Other returners: Senior–Kaitlyn Lenhart, setter. Juniors–Lila Dellinger, middle hitter; Rylee Harshaw, libero/defensive specialist; Brooke Miller, libero/defensive specialist; Cierra Shoop, middle hitter; Nora Stanek, libero/defensive specialist.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Delayni Baird, setter; Kynlee Budny, outside hitter; Mackenzie McLanahan, libero/defensive specialist.

Strengths: “We have a mix between talented returners and a bunch of talent ready to move up and establish themselves as varsity players. Our height and the ability to set the ball to six legitimate swings will make it tough for opponents to match up against.”

Concerns: “We have a lot of girls that haven’t been on the court in those big games, so there will be some growing pains as the season goes along.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to having a great season, and hopefully returning to postseason play and continuing to build this program.”

Assistant coaches: Dean Grenfell, Hannah Reed, Elizabeth Yacobucci

Junior high coach: Sydney McGinnis

Juniata Valley

Coach: Mary Reed, 20th year

Last year’s record: 10-10

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Maddy Mower, middle hitter; Amelia Russell, outside hitter/right side; Selena Sunderland, setter; Kassidy Watson, middle hitter. Junior–Braelyn Hall, libero.

Other returners: Juniors–Madyson Burdge, right side/setter; Sidney Entreken, right side/setter; Maddy McCartney, middle hitter/outside hitter; Paige Robinson, middle hitter; Kaitlyn Sager, outside hitter. Sophomores–Shawnee Bishop, outside hitter; Shealynn Bishop, right side/setter; Ava Sager, outside hitter; Chloe Weaver, defensive specialist.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Isabella Johnson, defensive specialist; Jayla Jones, outside hitter; Sheridan McGargle, right side/setter; Jocelyn McMahon, right side/setter; Natalie Thompson, middle hitter. Freshmen–Addison Borst, outside hitter; Ava Wise, middle hitter.

Strengths: “Quickness, aggressiveness and love for the game.”

Concerns: “Keeping everyone healthy.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to the 2024 season as this team is ready to play. We are filling voids left from our talented outside hitter from last season. Our younger players had great role models and are stepping up to the challenge. We are excited to get this season started.”

Assistant coach: Sara Eastep

Junior high coaches: Christy Steidel, Tori Wilt

Northern Bedford

Coach: Shalonne Sipes, fifth year

Last year’s record: 15-5

Conference: Inter-County Conference South Division

Returning starters: Senior–Madison Miller, middle hitter. Sophomore–Amberly Detterline, middle hitter.

Other returners: Seniors–Abby Bowser, Addison Love. Juniors–Emalee Bowser, Elisa Camenga, Kaylee Ebersole. Sophomores–Grace Dainty, Emma Detterline, Callie Miller, Ava Sipes.

Newcomers: Senior–Aaliyah Pepple. Sophomores–Cara Bywater, Kassidy Claycomb, Gracie Heaton, Ember Martin. Freshmen–Alexia Helsel, McKenna Reasy, Molli Stepisianos.

Strengths: “We have a group of players who work hard and are scrappy. There’s a lot of hustle, heart and determination on this year’s team.”

Concerns: “We are a very young team — rebuilding after graduating six starters from last season’s team.”

Overall outlook: “We should remain competitive in our league again this season. Losing so many starters from last year, I believe we’ll be considered the underdogs in many instances. We’ve talked about this as a team, and we’re up for the challenge. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year.”

Assistant coaches: Jenn Davis, Madison Johnson

Junior high coaches: Betsy Francke, Deidra Mellott

Penn Cambria

Coach: Travis Schluep, second year

Career record: 1-17

Last year’s record: 1-17

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Addison Hite, middle blocker; Sophia Rabatin, setter; Loren Stipanovich, middle blocker; Reese Swires, libero. Junior–Makenna McCoy, outside hitter; Reagan Ronan, outside hitter.

Other returners: Seniors–Mackenzy Farabaugh, outside hitter; Madisyn Farabaugh, right side hitter; Nevaya Hoover, defensive specialist; Janessa Martynuska, right side hitter; Brenna Phister, defensive specialist. Junior–Kaydynce Baney, middle blocker; Peyton Farabaugh, setter; Emalie Johns, right side hitter; Lucy Mastri, middle blocker; Amelia Nileski, middle blocker.

Newcomers: Sophomores–Eden Davison, middle blocker; Chloe Harber, outside hitter; Avery LeMaster, middle blocker/setter; Madison Mirabella, outside hitter; Isabelle Weisinger, middle blocker; Kiersten Wilson, outside hitter. Freshmen–Kate Eckenrode, outside hitter; Lily Gergely, middle blocker.

Strengths: “We have a strong team with lots of senior leadership. Our seniors are motivated to have a great season and have been working hard all summer to make it happen. The seniors have been setting a great example of working hard and being a good teammate for the younger girls. We also have lots of strong hitters on our team.”

Concerns: “We need to be mentally tough and stay consistent.”

Overall outlook: “If we can be consistent and bring it all together, this is going to be a fun season.”

Assistant coaches: April Gergely, Maddie Laret.

Junior high coach: Amanda Smorto

Portage

Coach: Mary Walls, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 12-8 overall, 9-7 Heritage

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Junior–Calla Miko, middle hitter.

Other returners: Seniors–Lyndsey Castel, outside hitter; Payton Noll, outside hitter. Juniors–Olivia Girard, middle hitter; Kaidance Kauffman, right side hitter; Ava Offman, defense specialist. Sophomores–Kaylie Grove, defense specialist; Kylie Hess, libero; Addyson Jodon, defense specialist; Kierra McCarty, middle hitter; Bridget Semanchik, outside hitter; Contessa Smith, defense specialist.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Mya Burda, setter; Johanna Noel, middle hitter.

Strengths: “This team shows a desire to learn and improve their skills, which will allow them to be lifelong learners of the game. While we have a young team — they were mentored by our previous seniors and learned from their leadership.”

Concerns: “We graduated eight seniors last year who were the foundation of our program. It’s hard to replace eight passionate leaders that devoted so much time to making our program a success. This group is young, but they were able to see what true leadership and commitment looked like through the mentorship that our previous seniors offered.”

Overall outlook: “I think our team is going to surprise a lot of people. Our team displays a lot of passion and desire to learn, which will help them overcome any obstacle they face throughout the season.”

Assistant coach: Marla Nesbella

Junior high coaches: Kayla Fisher, Nicole Hunt.

Tyrone

Coach: Alesha Weaver, third year

Career record: 27-13

Last year’s record: 12-6

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Kylee Nelson, libero; Taylan McGlynn, middle blocker; Sarah Zimmerman, defensive specialist. Juniors–Abigail Anthony, opposite/outside/defensive specialist; Rylan Crowell, outside hitter; Sarila Hensley, opposite.

Other returners: Juniors–Sidney Goodwin, opposite/setter/outside hitter; Raeleigh Oliver, defensive specialist; Elise Volders, middle blocker; Bailey Woomer, setter. Sophomores–Haliegh Hunter, defensive specialist; Kaylee Little, outside hitter; Kaitlyn Rockwell, outside hitter/opposite/middle blocker.

Newcomers: Junior–Auhjyah Walker. Freshmen–Madyson Nelon, Amaya Martin, Lillian Rossman, Lola Woomer.

Strengths: “We have a lot of experienced players coming back this year. We only lost three of our starters, so I think that will help with picking up where we left off last year. All of our newcomers are working hard and have quite a bit of talent as well.”

Concerns: “None.”

Overall outlook: “We are excited for the season. They have put in a lot of time in the offseason. As a whole, they are competing and it’s fun to be in the gym with them. We are hopeful for another great season.”

Assistant coach: Brandi Moyer

Junior high coaches: Jared Baronner, Shaniah Lowery

Williamsburg

Coach: Marina Brubaker, sixth year

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Scotlyn Barroner, libero; Eleanor Brubaker, setter; Samantha England, right side hitter; Abby James, outside hitter. Junior–Maura Cresswell, middle hitter. Sophomore–Raina Alexander, middle hitter.

Other returners: Senior–Alana Bowmaster, outside hitter. Junior–Jana Somers, outside hitter.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Katie Merritts, middle hitter. Freshmen–Ava Dixon, middle hitter; Jordan Flaig, setter; Addison Johnson, setter; Payton Lear, middle hitter; Kylie Simpson, outside hitter; Bella Strohmeyer, middle hitter; Dakota Talbert, middle hitter; Karsyn Walter, outside hitter; Rylee Walters, outside hitter.

Strengths: “Lots of returning, experienced varsity girls. At the same time, lots of new, incoming talent from our freshman class. Really excited to pair together our older experienced players with our newer athletes in order to maximize our potential as a team.”

Concerns: “Getting all of our girls an equal practice experience. We have a lot of players on different skill levels as we have so many new players with such experienced varsity players, meaning we need to ensure our younger girls get the practice they need to succeed. With no junior high team funded by our district, we have to put in a lot of work during the preseason as well as our first year.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking for our best season yet. Our girls are ready to play and work for the win this year.”

Assistant coach: Olivia Aurandt

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