Shaler notebook: Stadelman takes over girls volleyball program

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, May 4, 2018 | 1:51 AM

Sliding over to coach the Shaler girls volleyball program shouldn't be too much of an adjustment for Paul Stadelman.

Much like the boys' program, which Stadelman will remain at the helm of, the Titans girls' program has been gradually progressing the past few seasons. Shaler has made two straight trips to the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, losing to Armstrong, 3-0, in the first round last season.

Stadelman was named coach of the girls' program last week, replacing Amanda O'Connor.

“I am dedicated to creating a culture surrounding volleyball in the Shaler Area community and school,” Stadelman said. “The goal is to create good student-athletes who contribute to our success as a school district on the court, in the classroom and with the community. I felt I could provide the resources and knowledge to both the boys and girls programs.”

Stadelman took the boys program to the playoffs last season and has the Titans in a position to return this spring.

Shaler baseball falls short of playoffs

The Titans baseball team struggled to close out the season — losing five of their final six contests — but nearly earned a playoff spot despite an 11-0 loss to Pine-Richland last Wednesday.

Shaler (6-9, 4-6) finished the season tied for fourth in Section 1-6A with North Allegheny and Seneca Valley. In each section, the top four teams make the WPIAL playoffs.

Though the Titans split with the Tigers — winning 13-4 at home and dropping a 1-0, 17-inning decision at North Allegheny — and teams finished with 4-6 records in section, North Allegheny advanced because it had a 3-1 record against Shaler and Seneca Valley. Shaler was 2-2 against NA and Seneca Valley combined, so the Titans did not advance.

Shaler tennis competes at Section 4 championships

The Titans dropped a pair matches at the Section 4-AAA singles tournament. Shaler's top singles player, Jake Jashinski, dropped a first-round match to Plum's Colin Lewis 10-8. Sean Muenz, who had a bye into the second round, lost to Shady Side Academy's Nathan Dua, 10-0.

Tough spring for Shaler lacrosse

The Titans boys lacrosse program was eliminated from the playoff chase last week after losing a 9-4 decision to North Hills. Shaler (3-9, 1-4) had lost five of six games heading into a nonsection contest with Quaker Valley last Thursday.

On the girls' side, Shaler (1-9) picked up its first victory by scoring a 12-4 win over South Fayette April 26. The Titans, who went winless in section, are set to finish with their first losing season since finishing 7-10 in 2009.

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.