Greensburg Salem volleyball returns strong core, wants more

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, September 3, 2017 | 6:39 PM

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There might not be caution tape around Greensburg Salem's gym, but the construction project continues for the Lions girls volleyball team.

Last year, the squad's large sophomore class laid the foundation when Greensburg Salem tied for a section title and reached the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.

With nine starters returning, Greensburg Salem hopes to accelerate the building process this fall.

“We talked a lot at the end of last season and during the offseason. They were proud they made playoffs, but they still have that hunger because we didn't finish as far as we hoped,” Greensburg Salem coach Taylor Guido said. “The girls understand how we size up with other teams. We had to be more dedicated to working on our strength and conditioning in the offseason. We have to do more things in order to be even more competitive. They understand that 100 percent.”

It's Guido's second year as coach, so the familiarity is building, too.

“Our lineup is very similar to what it was last year. We've moved some girls around, and it's been awesome,” she said. “We've been able to build on what we finished last year instead of focusing on getting to know each other. We're able to work on plays and different options. That has allowed us to increase the competitiveness of practice.”

Senior libero Taylor Sharp and junior outside hitter Erica Steele and junior middle hitter Malia Anderson were named to the Section 1 first team last year. They return this season. Seniors Emily Earle (setter) and Kenzie Beveridge (defense) and juniors Mya Berger (outside hitter), Morgan O'Leary (middle hitter), Kara Uhlinger (setter), Natalie Forkey (right side hitter/setter) and Lizzy Wygonik (defense) are in the team's starting rotation. Juniors Allison Zahorchak, Brooke Geer and Megan O'Brien could see time, as well. Brianna Franzino, Anderson, Forkey, Sharp and Earle are captains.

“The team mentality and communication have really improved this year,” Guido said. “We have a squad of 26. We run practices very jointly — we don't separate junior varsity from varsity — to promote that team aspect and communication aspect.”

Guido has seen improvement from the Lions during practices and scrimmages.

“Specifically with the movement part of the game. With our team, we're very tiny size-wise. In order to increase our competitiveness, they've been working hard to move defensively and as hitters. We tried it last year but didn't focus a lot of energy on it,” she said. “Not only are they getting more mature, but they are learning the game more. As they play and the more hours they put into it, they are getting better at it. Another year has helped. A lot of them kind of overthink things. If they just react, they do far better than overanalyzing.”

Greensburg Salem finished 8-2 in the section and tied Indiana and Gateway for the title. The Lions expect those two teams to be competitive again.

“We hope to finish at the top and be battling again,” Guido said. “We want to advance into playoffs again.”

The Lions fell to Mars in the first round of last year's WPIAL tournament and finished 11-7.

“I think the girls are focused. Last year was just a taste of it,” Guido said. “They are focused as a group. They are not focused on themselves but on the bigger goal. They are in it for each other now and not just for the idea of winning.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Greensburg Salem