Talented lineup returns as North Allegheny girls volleyball begins WPIAL, PIAA title defense

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 6, 2018 | 11:48 PM

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Playing a Section 1-4A opener in a sweltering gymnasium wasn’t going to cool off the North Allegheny girls volleyball program.

Few things over the past two years have slowed down the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions. The Tigers extended their winning streak to 26 matches after toppling Shaler, 3-1, last Tuesday.

“I think it’s nice we have a core of kids back on the floor who went through a season last year undefeated and know what a WPIAL title and a state title feels like and what it takes to get there,” Miller said. “We did graduate eight seniors. So, it feels a lot different in our gym. We don’t have as many girls. We have a lot of big shoes to fill.”

North Allegheny (2-0, 1-0) also collected another victory in its season opener, a 3-0 sweep of the Class AA defending PIAA champion Freeport. The Tigers, who took on North Hills last Thursday in a match after deadline for this edition, have plenty returning.

Senior middle hitter Anna Sprys, who had a team-high 11 kills against the Titans in the opener, committed to Division I Binghamton (N.Y.) before the season. Sophomore Paige Morningstar, who contributed 10 kills and three blocks against Shaler, gave a verbal commitment to Louisville before the school year started. Senior setter Allena Carmody committed to Robert Morris.

“I think we do have some different chemistry and different dynamics going on that we’re trying to work through and fine tune a little bit,” Miller said. “This team, honestly, I think this team has as much skill as last year’s team. We’re a little different as far as physicality. The girls are needing to recognize there are teams that are bigger than us, but we can out-smart teams.”

Recognizing the need to adapt their play showed up for North Allegheny against Shaler. The Tigers dropped the second set 27-25 and had a few moments where the offensive wasn’t running how it should.

What Miller wants to see North Allegheny recognize is how to play smart, being able to put teams on their heels by showcasing variety instead of muscle.

“We didn’t play a clean match,” Miller said. “Throughout the match, some of our hitters were successful and others we’re not. It’s not about how hard you hit the ball; it’s about finding open spots on the floor and figuring out ways to score.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny