Plum volleyball preps for WPIAL postseason

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 16, 2017 | 5:48 PM

Kelsey Bonk still is getting accustomed to not having her fraternal twin sister, Carly, with her on the Plum volleyball bench.

Carly started the year as the Mustangs' coach but stepped down midseason after getting an opportunity to work for the Minnesota Vikings. With Carly a time zone away, Kelsey, who was the assistant coach, has taken the reins and is trying to guide Plum to a second consecutive playoff appearance.

Plum (6-4) is third in Section 4-AAAA, a game ahead of Kiski Area and two games clear of Fox Chapel entering the final week of the regular season. The top four teams qualify for the postseason.

The Mustangs hosted Penn Hills on Tuesday and finish the season against Fox Chapel on Thursday.

Kelsey said she and Carly talk daily about the team. They played volleyball together at Valley, won a WPIAL and PIAA softball championship with the Vikings and played volleyball at Carlow. The move has been a big adjustment for them.

“We have never lived apart in our 22 years together, so this was a big change in all facets of life,” Kelsey Bonk said. “It really hit home with volleyball, which is something we always done together whether it was playing or coaching.”

Bonk credited assistant coach Kristy Lagnese with helping her with the transition.

“I am really lucky that Kristy was able to help out from the beginning,” Bonk said. “She's been great with the girls and helping me out since Carly left.”

The Mustangs have won every section match aside from losing twice to the top two teams, Oakland Catholic and Armstrong. Plum defeated Kiski Area twice, which could go a long way toward postseason seeding.

The second match against the Cavaliers was a five-set thriller at home, which the Mustangs won 3-2. Sofia Chapkis, a senior middle hitter, was a catalyst in the victory.

“In the five-set Kiski match she hit over .500,” Bonk said. “She did great up front for us and kind of led the way. Her offensive efficiency has been outstanding.”

Chapkis is one of six seniors who make up the core of the team. Bailey Raposa (libero), Brianna Bialota (outside hitter), Laney Kiefer (back row), Haley Chiusano (outside hitter) and Madison Schullo (outside hitter) are the other five seniors.

“We're very lucky to have six seniors contributing and playing very well in terms of offense and defense,” Bonk said. “We have two young setters (Corrine Phillips and Alexa Waros). They are growing as players and getting accustomed to the varsity level.”

Bialota leads the team in kills, and Raposa has been a leader defensively in the back row. The pair are the team's co-captains.

“(Bialota) plays all six rotations, so she doesn't come out of the game,” Bonk said. “She's been our leader offensively in terms of kills in each game. I definitely think she's led the way for us as an outside hitter. Bailey has been phenomenal for us all year in the back row.”

Plum came into the season looking to improve upon last season's first-round playoff exit and is in position to do that. The Mustangs want to be sharp to end the last week of section play and carry that into the postseason.

“Our first priority is making the postseason,” Bonk said. “We would like to go in as the third-place team (in the section) and not sneak in as No. 4. I'm looking for our seniors to step up. This is their last year. I'm looking for them to be the leaders on the court that I know they can be and take over these last few games to finish up the regular season.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

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