Timing right for Pine-Richland boys volleyball to take step forward

By: Jerin Steele
Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 11:01 AM

As a young team of freshmen and sophomores, the Pine-Richland boys volleyball team took their lumps last season.

Now, a year older and more seasoned, they are looking to earn respect in WPIAL circles.

“Our guys are excited to show what they can do because they knew that last year everyone thought we were an easy game,” first-year Pine-Richland coach Tyler Trimbath said. “They want to show that Pine-Richland is going to be a team that you have to respect and that it’s not going to be an easy win anymore.

“Last year, a lot of the thoughts we had were, ‘We’re still young. We have next year and the year after.’ But now they realize they aren’t young anymore. This is their time, so we have to do this together if we want to win.”

Trimbath takes over the program from Chris Rotelli. He was an assistant at Pine-Richland last year.

The entire starting lineup returns.

That group is led by 6-foot-8 sophomore outside hitter Doolin Stober.

Stober played club volleyball in Columbus, Ohio, over the summer and was recently selected to train with the USA Volleyball National Development Program in Colorado Springs.

Luke Jancy (outside hitter), Brady Weir (middle hitter), Mike Tunder (outside hitter/right side) and Junior Krahe (setter) are other returning starters, and setter Matteo Rotelli returns after missing the bulk of last season due to injury.

Sophomore Brody Kirk is a newcomer who is an intriguing prospect. He brings depth to the middle hitter group.

Blake Thompson is the team’s lone senior. Juniors Allen Chen, Cole Silipo, Colin Barrett and JJ Wearly and sophomores Ben Ward and Lucio Sherron are returning letterwinners.

Trimbath said nearly every player on the team has started playing club volleyball and he’s happy with the dedication shown to the sport.

That’s spilled over into preseason practices.

“The guys love competing,” Trimbath said. “They will come in an hour before practice or stay after practice for an hour or two. They’ve asked to have practice on our one scheduled day off. They’re excited to compete against those teams and shock them.”

Pine-Richland is in Section 2-3A with Butler, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, North Hills, Shaler and Seneca Valley.

Shaler beat North Allegheny in the WPIAL final and was the PIAA runner-up.

Every section match will be a challenge, but the Rams feel they are better equipped to battle with a year of experience in the bank.

“Wins are great, but really we just want to compete,” Trimbath said. “We don’t want to be bowled over anymore. We’re confident in ourselves. Last year we knew we were the underdogs and we played like it. This year we are going to play with something to prove.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Pine-Richland