Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball sets expectations high

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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There was no second guessing coach Courtney Frost in her assessment of the Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball team.

The Jaguars’ second-year coach was succinct and provided a direct response.

“I expect my team to win our section and make it to the finals of the WPIAL and state playoffs,” Frost said.

The Jaguars have nine players back who were in last year’s starting rotation, led by 5-foot-10 junior OH Viola MacNeil, 5-10 senior MH Hannah Stewart and 5-4 junior DS/Libero Sophia Janosko.

Other returning starters include seniors Marissa Miller, a 5-7 outside hitter, Chase Turk, a 6-0 middle hitter, and Gianna Machi, a 5-5 defensive specialist and juniors Tatum Betler, a 5-4 setter, Mia Trbovich, a 5-8 right-side hitter, and Lia Vickers, a 5-3 setter.

“We have lots of depth this season,” Frost said, “with only one starter from last season not returning. Our upperclassmen have been instrumental in leading our underclassmen on and off the court. We have a strong up-and-coming underclass that pushes our upperclassmen to work harder for their positions.

“The girls have a great relationship off the court, which transfers over on the court to make them a stronger team.”

Frost rotated in 15 girls in an early season 3-1 win at home against Belle Vernon. The starting rotation consisted of MacNeil, Miller, Turk, Trbovich, Janosko and sophomores Riley Burnsworth, a 5-5 setter, and Vivian Bishop, a 5-8 middle hitter.

The game-day rotation also included Machi, Betler, 5-1 junior defensive specialist Sofia Slivan, Vickers, Stewart, seniors Ally Feth, a 5-8 right-side hitter, and Addi Bracco, a 5-5 defensive specialist, and 5-5 freshman outside hitter Vanessa Warden.

Baldwin looks for growth

Jason Jonas is looking to incorporate more competitiveness and sustainability into the Baldwin girls volleyball program.

“Last year, we were probably one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams at the varsity level in our section,” Jonas said. “After experiencing our ups and downs and our growth as a team, we will be more of a competitive team in our tough section.

“We did lose our two starting senior captains, who were our leaders of the team. I’m hoping that with such a strong and large senior class this year, our newfound experience at the varsity level and some underclassmen being asked to help out, we can become more successful than last year’s season.”

The Highlanders’ regular rotation in 2025 includes seniors Abby Hirt, a 5-foot-3 defensive specialist, Ashley Skowronski, a 5-4 libero, Brielle Fisher, a 5-6 outside hitter, Mia Wyse, a 5-4 setter, Ruby Hackel, a 5-6 defensive specialist; junior Addey Troutman, a 5-5 middle hitter, and sophomore Chelsey Weber, a 6-0 middle hitter.

Also in the rotation are seniors Abby Mohring, a 5-7 middle/right-side hitter, and Rhianna Lavelle, a 5-6 defensive specialist, and junior Cameron Bowlus, a 5-8 outside hitter.

Leading reserves include seniors Allison Lease (OH/DS) and Reese Temme (RS), juniors Hannah Dayoub (MH), Emma Pack (setter) and Caitlyn Zalar, and sophomores Aubrey Fleming (OH) and Brookelyn Walker (OH).

Jones predicted Upper St. Clair and Canon-McMillan to be the section favorites this season

Brentwood out to bounce back

Matt Episcopo is in his fourth season in charge of the Brentwood girls volleyball program.

He was hoping that a strong offseason effort by the Brentwood netters would lead to better regular season results in 2025.

“Having a very difficult and challenging season in 2024, I believe it also laid out a foundation for growth and improvement moving forward,” Episcopo said. “The team pushed each other to get better every day this offseason.

“With a mix of players returning with more experience and a promising group of young talent, we are confident in turning things around in 2025.”

The Spartans’ returning starters from a year ago are two juniors, Victoria Gidias, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter, and Carma Coberly, a 5-9 middle hitter, and two sophomores, Emily Schubert, a 5-9 outside/middle hitter, and Jordyn Gaughan, a 5-4 defensive specialist.

Episcopo indicated that Eden Christian, last year’s undefeated section champion, is the team to beat again in league play.

Tags: Baldwin, Brentwood, Thomas Jefferson