Penn-Trafford coach pleased with volleyball team’s improvement

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford girls volleyball coach Tracy McDonald was eager to see if her team closed the gap against WPIAL power Seneca Valley.

The two teams squared off in 2024, and the results weren’t what the Warriors hoped for.

When they met again Aug. 27, the result was the same, but Penn-Trafford was much improved, according to McDonald.

“Two of the games were pretty good,” the second-year coach said, “better than last year. We improved a lot, and it was a tough test.

“We are playing better as a team. Last year it took us awhile to come together. We are relying on each other more this year.”

Seneca Valley won 25-22, 25-13 and 27-25.

The Warriors graduated six seniors from last year’s squad, including libero Kaci DePalma (LaRoche), middle hitter Kam Pieper (playing basketball at Point Park) and outside hitter Kylie Anthony (playing volleyball and softball at Westminster).

“Those are big holes to fill,” McDonald said. “I am still searching for outside and middle hitters. We are working with five girls for those positions.”

There are five starters back — junior middle hitter Ella McDonald, the coach’s daughter, junior right-side hitter Josie Schubert, senior defensive specialist Eliyah McPherson, senior defensive specialist Ella Mains and junior setter Ava Ruane.

“Ava does a really good job running the offensive,” McDonald said. “She is also a good leader.

“What I like most about the team is their ability to bounce back in tough situations. They know they have things to work on and are willing to put in extra time. The continue to learn and get better.”

The team also includes seniors Rachel Ambrose (OH), Cianna Culgan (L), Mya Kochasic (OH), Cylee Phillians (MB) and Mackenzie Furnish (MB); juniors Skyler Matz (DS), Delaney Freas (DS) Mia Prosdocimo (OH), Sophia Metcalfe (DS), Taryne Piconi (DS) and Megan Marecic (OH); and freshman Lilah Mrdjenovich (OH).

The Warriors are 1-1 so far. They are in a tough section which includes Hempfield, Latrobe, Norwin, Plum and Connellsville. Hempfield defeated Seneca Valley earlier this season.

“We schedule some tough teams to make us better in the section,” McDonald said. “We have Peters Township, Upper St. Clair and Hampton on the schedule. I know Hempfield is strong, and Latrobe always has a solid team.”

McDonald said she learned a lot during her first season as coach when she replaced long-time coach Jim Schall.

“I learned you have to be patient with the progress,” McDonald said. “You take it day-by-day. I saw the team change a lot during the season.”

The Warriors open section play Sept. 9 at home against Latrobe.

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: Penn-Trafford