Penn Hills boys volleyball looks to build momentum after streak-snapping win

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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There’s no slowing down when finding success while playing Class 3A boys volleyball in the WPIAL.

Penn Hills halted a long losing streak in section play when the Indians tripped up Plum in four sets April 8.

The Indians (3-4, 1-2) fell back to earth during their next match when North Hills swept them.

Penn Hills coach Will Piccolino knows it’s a process to maintain momentum. The Indian coach has worked with this group for three years.

“They just need to remember it’s a lot different when you have a gym full of people, and everyone’s yelling and screaming at you, compared to a quiet gym for practice,” Piccolino said. “It’s a lot to take in, but these kids have been with us for two or three years. It’s awesome to get over the hump finally.”

Senior Anthony Collins was happy to see the team’s seven-year streak of section losses end. The Indians had come close to ending the losing streak last season. Penn Hills took the Mustangs to five sets but lost in a close match.

Penn Hills was able to take advantage of a weakened Plum lineup to pick up a win.

“This feels good,” Collins said. “Our last game of the season last year was against Plum, and we lost a thriller in Game 5. It’s very nice, and I hope to see more of it.”

While Penn Hills has had hard luck in the section outside the win over Plum, the Indians built confidence with out-of-section results. On April 14, on senior night, Penn Hills picked up a 3-1 victory over McKeesport.

The Indians also beat Brentwood, 3-0, and played competitive matches with Franklin Regional and Bethel Park.

Penn Hills senior Lucian McCollim said the Indians are determined to have a strong season. Making the playoffs will be difficult. When the WPIAL realigned sections, they made the sections smaller and wanted to make it harder to make the postseason.

“I think we all know from the end of last year’s season that this was a big year,” McCollim said. “This is a pretty big senior class, and we all knew this was our year years in advance, and we have to make the most of it.”

Tags: Penn Hills