Kiski Area sweeps Norwin in annual Pack the Park outdoor volleyball match

By: Michael Love
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 | 9:05 PM

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Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s at first serve greeted the Norwin and Kiski Area girls volleyball teams for the fifth annual Pack the Park outdoor grass-court match at Vandergrift’s Kennedy Park.

The energy put forth by both teams was matched by their coaches and the many spectators who filled the bleachers and sidelines to see if the Cavaliers could win their fourth straight in the event or if the Knights could break the streak and win again after taking the first Pack the Park match in 2021.

In the end, Kiski Area proved to be too strong and took the match 3-0.

The Cavaliers won the first set 25-15 then swept the match with victories in sets two and three, 25-10 and 25-12, respectively.

While winning was an important step in the evolution of his team, first year Kiski Area coach Steve Cunha said there was an even greater purpose served by the two teams and everyone else in attendance.

“This was everything I thought it was going to be, and then some,” Cunha said. “We made sure the girls knew what this was all about and what was behind this, that out of bad things can come so much good. That was the most important part for me. The game was important to the girls, but in the end, it is just a game.”

Pack the Park helps raise funds each year for the We Serve First Foundation, started with the help of Tim Toy to honor the memory and legacy of his late wife, Ellen Toy, who coached volleyball for many years at Kiski Area and other schools in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

Ellen Toy died in February 2016 after a long battle with stomach cancer. The grass court at Kennedy Park is named in her memory.

Norwin veteran coach Mary Ellen Ferragonio developed a connection with Ellen Toy over the years as coaching colleagues, and this game every year holds a special place in her heart.

“With the history behind this, it means so much for me and for our team to be included in this match,” Ferragonio said. “It was such a great weather evening to be out here with such wonderful people helping raise money for a great cause. The people at Kiski and in Vandergrift are so friendly and welcoming.”

Down 2-0 and facing a 5-0 deficit in the third set, the Knights fought back to take a 6-5 lead with the help of junior Gemma Moffatt, who delivered six straight service points.

But senior Makayla Keibler got the Cavaliers back to even with a kill. Then, with the score tied 7-7, she delivered six straight service points of her own.

She recorded two aces during the run, and Addie Feroce and Alaysia Bell combined for a block to score another Kiski point.

“We just needed to calm down, take a deep breath, and get back to playing our game,” Keibler said.

Kills from Feroce, Gianna DeVito and Lila Welshans helped extend the Cavaliers’ lead.

Norwin got it as close as seven at 19-12 on an ace from junior libero Lia Holtzman.

Kiski Area closed it out on the service of Kinsey Miles, who delivered five straight points, including two aces.

DeVito and Keibler combined for a block on match point.

“Last year, we went to five sets with Norwin. So, coming in here, we knew there were several things we had to work really hard on to get the win,” Keibler said. “We were just serving really well today. We had lots of fun and were cheering for each other. We’re a very energy-oriented team, and that helped us keep going. I wasn’t expecting 3-0, but I was happy with the way it turned out.

“This match is so very special each year because we know what the cause is for. We’re doing this all for Ellen. It is very special to be a part of it with the beautiful weather.”

Ferragonio tipped her cap to the Cavaliers players.

“Kiski played really good defense, and they weren’t afraid to attack the ball smartly,” said Ferragonio, whose team fell to 2-2 overall.

Kiski Area got the opening point of the first set on a Norwin hitting error, and, led by a pair of DeVito aces and a block from Keibler, the Cavaliers held an early 4-1 lead.

DeVito recorded a third ace later in the set.

Bell, Miles and Feroce delivered kills as Kiski Area built its largest lead of the set at 20-8.

Norwin didn’t go quietly, however, and kills from seniors Riley Mulroy and Ashlyn Black kept the Cavaliers from wrapping up the set. But a hit from the Knights attack that landed long gave Kiski Area the 25-14 win.

Kiski Area again took control early in the second set. A Lila Welshans ace and a Feroce kill put the lead at 11-4.

The Cavaliers kept building to their largest lead of the set — the final score of 25-10 — with kills from DeVito, Bell and Keibler and four straight service points from Molly Peck.

DeVito delivered three kills, a block and four aces in the set, with three of the four aces closing out the 15-point triumph.

“We played very well tonight because Norwin is a very good team,” said Cunha, whose team improved to 2-1 in the early season. “Not in any way did I think we would have the result (sweep) we did, but the girls have been working really hard, and the win is a testament to that. We had a couple of tough games to start with Hampton (3-2 loss) and Franklin Regional (3-2 win), but the girls have shown what they can do when they play for each other and play as a team.”

Kiski Area returns to the court Thursday against Connellsville at home before playing at the Shaler Tournament on Saturday.

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.

Tags: Kiski Area, Norwin