As the Volleyball season comes to an end there’s a lot of talk about WPIALs. The varsity team took first place on Saturday winning the last game against Montour. At the end of the regular season, the girls ended with a 17-0 standing and stayed undefeated throughout WPIALs.
This year is the first year that the Knoch Girls Volleyball team won WPIALs. This is an amazing accomplishment for all of the girls and the school as well. There were many stressful points during the games, but the girls handled them well, and focused on the best parts.
“I have two favorite moments from WPIALs. The first was the final point of the match. After that point, the whole team came running out onto the court and we celebrated together, and that’s when I knew that our hard work had paid off to be in that moment,” said senior, and captain, Carlita (Carly) Bozzo. “My second favorite moment was seeing Coach Geist put the medals on us and her getting to hold the trophy because she has been working for this for 32 years, and to see her so happy was great.”
As WPIALs end, the team is ready to take on what’s coming next.
I think the only thing that can stop us from winning is ourselves,” said junior Kerrie Fitzpatrick. “When we’re all positive and we all boost each other up then we’re all on our A game. When everyone’s on their A game and we work together I truly think we can go the whole way.”
The next biggest thing that they will be taking on is states, and many players take pride in the fact that they have made it this far.
“I’m very proud to be a part of this team and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue onto our Stairway to States.”
States may be hard, but, the Stairway to States is a plan the team has made to do their best.
“We set goals in August and we called them the Stairway to States. The first few goals were pretty basic, like work hard in practice. At that point, we didn’t think ahead,” said coach Diane Geist. “Once we achieved the first five steps, we moved on to the top half of the stairway, which included going undefeated, winning the section, winning WPIALS and now we are on the top step. We want to go farther in States than last year. So far, with hard work and persistence, the girls have achieved all of their goals. I am extremely proud of them.”
Photo by Knoch Yearbook Staff
As the team comes close to states, there’s a lot of excitement, but also a bit of intimidation.
“One our biggest challenges at states will probably be defense just because we haven’t faced an all around talented, offensive team so we won’t be used to a team constantly keeping the pressure on us,” said Fitzpatrick. “Although that’s a challenge, we also challenge other teams in the same way!”
With the competition being a bit tougher now, there are a few things the team is going to have to focus on.
“We’re a very mental team,” said freshman Katherine McCarthy. “If we show up to play we crush our opponents, but if we don’t it’s a bit rough.”
Other teammates agree with her and believe that they can work through their weaknesses.
“Although we always overcome our weaknesses, there are a few. Every once and awhile we all can contribute unforced errors,” said Fitzpatrick. “For example missed serves, missed hits, off placement or double sets, or shanked passes. We’re good at picking each other up when we make mistakes which is why we pulled through with an undefeated season.”
The undefeated regular season and through WPIALs is a big deal for the team and school alike. This year, many of the players are filled with excitement for claiming such a big accomplishment.
“I’m very proud of our standing right now. It’s not something that every team gets to say they have. We’ve worked hard and have earned every win,” said Bozzo.
Hard work has got them to this point and the team believes they can make it farther if they keep up the effort. Each player is going to have to put in 100%. They will use their skills to the best of their ability to stay ahead in states.
“Our offense is killer. We’ve been blessed with taller players like Sarah Armahizer, Kennedy Christy, and Hannah Rowe. They get the most kills and are smart with placing the ball. When I’m setting they are my go-to hitters,” said Fitzpatrick. “Also because of their height, they help out our defense a lot. When their all on their A game a ball rarely crosses the net thanks to them. Other hitters like Bethany Nulph, Abby Kopac, and Abby Pops (Pospisil), also contribute kills and blocks. We don’t really have a weak rotation because someone always steps up to the plate.”
The team is made up of girls from all four grades, and all different strengths. When things get hard, they’re held together by this year’s very talented captains.
“Sarah and Carly really kept us on track. We had a couple hard games, and when everyone was freaking out they calmed us down,” said McCarthy. “I think their calm and collected attitude transferred to a lot of the other players as well.”
Along with a good attitude, the captains also bring knowledge and help out the team.
“Sarah Armahizer (senior) comes onto the court immediately getting us all pumped. She leads the team with points and is always bringing everyone’s energy up. Carly Bozzo is the most talkative on the court. She gives everyone advice and is always lending a helping hand. She radiates positive energy,” said Fitzpatrick. “Both Sarah and Carly play in the offseason in club teams which brings the game up a higher more mature level to the rest of us.”
While the girls are very proud to be led by such great captains, the pride is returned.
“I’m very proud to be a part of this team,” said Bozzo. “It’s an honor to be part of such an amazing, talented group of hardworking girls with great coaches who have our backs.”
