Experienced group returns to lead Plum girls volleyball

By: Michael Love
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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After a four-year run which included consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances and two section championships, the Plum girls volleyball team fell short last season of qualifying for postseason play.

The Mustangs slipped to 3-7 in section matches in their move up to Class 4A, placing fifth behind playoff qualifiers Hempfield, Penn-Trafford and Latrobe, and also Norwin.

But coach Rachel Satira likes her team’s chances to make its mark in and out of the section this season, and with a sizeable group of seniors and returning talent, the Mustangs hope to roar back into the playoff picture.

“Our biggest thing is that we didn’t graduate a whole lot of seniors. We only had three last year, and we have eight this year,” Satira said.

“All of them played a really big role in the team last year, so our team dynamic really didn’t change, but we saw a lot of the other teams did graduate some key players. The girls have worked so hard, and we’re gaining from here. They are so dedicated, and they have big goals.”

Plum lost Section 3 second-team all-stars Lillianna Davis (middle hitter) and Kennedy Filar (defensive specialist/libero), and third-team selection Cassie Dojonovic (right side) to graduation.

Satira said that trio contributed a great deal and will be missed. But at the same time, she is optimistic of what the present and future holds with a group of talent led by returning starters Mackenzie Marotta (senior, setter/outside hitter), Addison Then (senior, middle blocker), Mia Murrio (junior, setter), Aubrianna Collins (senior, defensive specialist) and Mia Waitt (senior, outside hitter/defensive specialist).

Marotta, also a key pitcher and infielder for the Plum softball team, earned second-team all-conference honors last year after producing 114 kills, 14 blocks, 145 digs and 207 assists.

“Most of us have been together since middle school,” Marotta said.

“We’re such a close group. The seniors have been waiting for this year, and we’re excited to help lead this team back to the playoffs. We’re confident that it is going to be a really good year for the team.”

Waitt delivered 40 aces, 109 kills, 16 blocks, 178 digs and eight assists. Her efforts were recognized with third-team all-section laurels.

“I think a big thing is that we communicate so well on the court because of how much we’ve spent playing with each other,” Waitt said.

“We all want to win and do well, and we’re all there supporting and encouraging each other. It makes for a really positive atmosphere.”

Collins (34 aces, 10 assists, 169 digs), Then (26 blocks, 59 kills) and Murrio (218 assists, 92 digs, 29 aces) also were among last year’s leaders in several statistical categories.

Satira said a majority of the girls played club matches in the offseason and also improved from open-gym workouts and play in a summer league at Norwin.

While Plum didn’t have any scrimmages this preseason, Satira pointed to a lot of games in the summer league against the likes of Greensburg Salem, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Yough, Knoch and Greensburg Central Catholic as good prep work for what they will experience in season which begins this week with nonsection matches against Deer Lakes (Tuesday) and Gateway (Thursday).

“We normally have scrimmages, but my schedule didn’t work out for that to happen,” Satira said.

“But with the summer league, we faced some quality teams and some who will be in our section. We got a good taste of what to expect. We did really well in those games, and it gave us a big confidence boost that we are not the same team as we were last year. The girls have developed, and they are up for the challenge.”

Plum will take on Knoch next Wednesday (Sept. 3) and will play in the Penn-Trafford tournament Sept. 6 before opening up section play Sept. 9 at home against Connellsville.

“The girls have been very competitive in our intrasquad scrimmages, but they are ready to see something knew and test themselves, especially against someone they haven’t seen before.”

Former Plum volleyball and basketball standout Courtney Zezza, who went on to play basketball in college at the Division I level, is back in a Plum gym as an assistant coach.

“She and I played here together for several years, and we had so many great memories,” Satira said.

“It feels so good to be back together. Courtney brings so much knowledge and experience to the team. The girls have really responded well to her.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

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