Greensburg Central Catholic, Southmoreland ready for next round of PIAA playoffs

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, November 8, 2024 | 9:04 PM

Greensburg Central Catholic and the Southmoreland girls’ volleyball teams look to continue their seasons Saturday in the PIAA Volleyball tournament.

The WPIAL Class A champions, Greensburg Central Catholic, will face District 6 champion West Branch at Johnstown High School at noon.

The Centurions are coming off a 3-1 victory against District 9 runner-up Clarion-Limestone, while West Branch blanked District 5 runner-up Berlin-Brothersvalley, 3-0.

“We’ve been getting off to slow starts, but hopefully that changes,” GCC coach Erin Salas said. “These girls have been shooting for this time of the year since they were freshmen.

“They have been playing with a purpose. They do not want the season to end. They have worked hard.”

In wins against Eden Christian, Frazier and Clarion-Limestone, the Centurions have been getting excellent play from junior Ashlyn Black and senior Eva Denis. Others contributing are Zilola Giaramita, Evelyn Viehl, Maura Oslosky, Brianna Evans and Erin Grace.

Viehl had a great serving night against Clarion-Limestone.

“We have a good serving team,” Denis said. “We’re tough to beat when we’ve serving well.”

The winner gets the winner of the Frazier/Clarion match.

Southmoreland won its first PIAA playoff match by defeating District 5 champion North Star, 3-2. It was the Scotties’ (16-5) first win in the PIAA playoffs. They face District 10 runner-up Erie Prep (16-5) at noon at North Allegheny.

“We’re thrilled to be the first team in our school’s history to make it states,” Southmoreland coach Michelle Pergar said. “It’s an honor to represent our school at this level, and we’re so grateful for all the support that helped us get here.”

The Scotties, the fourth-place finisher from the district, are the only other WPIAL team left in the state tournament. Erie Prep defeated WPIAL champion Quaker Valley, District 6 champion Richland defeated WPIAL runner-up Hopewell and District 10 champion Corry took down the WPIAL third-place finisher Neshannock.

“Every single person on our team plays a vital role in our success,” Pergar said. “Each player brings unique strengths and skills that contribute to our wins, and it’s the combined effort that makes us strong.”

The winner will face either Corry or Richland.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Southmoreland