Penn Hills boys volleyball ready to get building process on track

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Second-year Penn Hills boys volleyball coach Will Piccolino has started to find his footing while leading the program. The Indians have already started moving some players around the court to find a better position to win matches.

Penn Hills hopes that can provide some steady play. The Indians went 0-10 in section and are ready to start steps forward.

“We moved one of our starting settlers, Luke Hoolahan, to libero,” Piccolino said. “That will shore up our ball control and lead to a more efficient offense.”

What was also important to Piccolino was how Penn Hills started the season. The Indians opened with Mt. Lebanon in a nonsection contest. Penn Hills also played at the Norwin Tournament to help prepare for section matches.

The Indians are in Section 3-3A this season with Central Catholic, Hempfield, Norwin, Penn-Trafford and Plum.

“(The Mt. Lebanon match) is a big one,” Piccolino said. “We want these kids to get a couple wins under our belt. They aren’t familiar with winning. We want to get a win and that would keep the bar where it was. We wanted to reach these kids to hate losing. We want them to win matches so when we play strong teams, we aren’t saying, ‘We’re playing Penn-Trafford. What are we going to do?’”

Senior Kelsey Hundley will hold down the center of the net as middle hitter. Marc Pate will contribute as an outside hitter.

“I think compared to last year, we have more experience,” Piccolino said. “We have a bit more drive. They saw what they were capable of last year.”

Ryan Perry and Hunter Boyd will also provide the Indians with more options for being on the attack. With four players who can consistently put the ball away, Penn Hills should be able to have a more diverse group of hitters.

“Last year, with the options we had, other teams were able to key on guys,” Piccolino said. “This year, people aren’t going to know what we are going to throw at them. We can run trick plays, combo plays. People won’t be able to shut down one person.”

Penn Hills has 25 players out for the program, so Piccolino is encouraged with the numbers the Indians have been able to get out and participate. Piccolino appreciates having so many seniors to help lead the program.

“They are the most experienced team during my tenure here,” Piccolino said. “They can help coach the other players on where they need to be.”

Tags: Penn Hills