Baldwin girls volleyball team off to strong start

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 7, 2018 | 7:25 PM

There was nothing laborious about the season-opening performance of the Baldwin girls volleyball team.

The Highlanders kicked off both the 2018 season and Labor Day weekend by winning the Canon-McMillan tournament on Sept. 1.

The Baldwin netters, who won the section title and advanced to the second round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs a year ago, edged section foe Moon, 1-0, in the championship round after defeating Serra Catholic, 1-0, in the semifinals.

Baldwin rallied from a 22-20 deficit to nip Moon, 25-23.

“I was very pleased with how we played (at Canon-McMillan),” coach Chris Kelly said. “Allison Murray and Ally Schenk gave us a solid middle attack, which opened up some room for our outside hitters to work. We served and passed well, and played pretty good defense.

“We still have a lot of work to do and a tough week ahead, but winning the Canon Mac tournament was a great way to start the season.”

Schenk and Murray, both talented middle blockers, are two of seven returning starters on the Baldwin squad.

“We had a great day with very few mistakes,” said Schenk following the tournament. “Our defense did a great job passing and worked really hard in the back row; and our hitters were very consistent and have good chemistry with our setter (Hampsay). Everyone played so well all day and it definitely paid off in the end.

“This season, we have high expectations and hope to start with a section championship, and go far into the WPIAL and state playoffs. I’m very excited and have been so happy and excited with all of the effort everyone is putting into this season.”

Baldwin’s returning starters consist of senior defensive specialists Mackenzie Meis and Kerri Herron; and juniors Anna Baloh (OH), Riley Lenard (OH), Mia Hampsay (S), Schenk and Murray.

They are joined in the lineup by seniors Flannery Larson, a middle blocker/right-side hitter, and Sydney Milan, an outside/right-side hitter; junior defensive specialists Maggie Zandier and Marlo Mendez; plus sophomores Jess Noss (S), Megan Garda (RS) and Bethany Voelker (OH).

Baldwin is ranked fourth in Class AAA by the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association, behind defending WPIAL and PIAA champion North Allegheny at No. 1, Seneca Valley at No. 2 and Pine-Richland at No. 3.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin