Young Shaler volleyball team growing through early struggles

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, September 10, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Shaler setter Leah Cunningham wants to take over the leadership void left by graduate Bridget Nickel. She would like to emulate Nickel's style, and she is working on being more vocal.

“I think I learned to be a leader,” Cunningham said of what she learned from last season. “Learning how to communicate has been an important skill.”

The Titans are looking to regain the form that allowed them to finish fourth in Section 1-4A and earn a WPIAL playoff spot. Shaler, which was swept by Armstrong in the playoffs, has had its share of bumps early this season.

The Titans (0-2) opened with losses to Mt. Lebanon and South Fayette. Last weekend, the Titans got a boost by reaching the finals of their tournament. In the finals, the Titans lost to Knoch, 2-1.

“I think it will give us a sense of reality going into the season,” Cunningham said. “We know we can win. We have to put in the work and effort.”

Shaler opened section play against undefeated North Allegheny on Tuesday, but the results were too late for this edition. The Titans are in a section with Butler, North Allegheny, Shaler, Pine-Richland and North Hills.

Titans coach Amanda O'Connor didn't return several calls seeking comment.

Cunningham said she believes this team will take some time to grow together.

“I think it's been hard because a lot of girls playing on varsity are young,” Cunningham said. “We only have three seniors, and the girls playing are mostly sophomores and juniors. They've stepped up to the challenges.”

In the early going, Shaler has been easing the team into the attack. Senior Stephanie Ford and Oyinda Agbale have contributed on the attack.

“We normally have to take things back to basics,” Cunningham said. “We're not running certain tandems. We want to make sure hitters are swinging big even though we aren't running fancy plays.”

As the season goes on, Shaler will settle in into its groove. Cunningham, too, is working in as a leader.

Everyone wants to keep the right mindset.

“It would be detrimental to get down on each other or play lower than we should,” Cunningham said. “Keep energy up and staying positive. Pick each other up when we're down.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler