1 Step Closer
ROSS TWP — Staying on task is essential, even for teams with a wealth of talent.
Especially when the goals are as lofty as those of Freeport's volleyball program.
As recently as 2017, the Yellowjackets won a state title and they captured WPIAL gold in 2016.
“We have goals of winning our section every year, winning tournaments, winning the WPIAL and getting to states,” said Freeport coach Tom Phillips. “As we achieve things each season, we check them off.”
The 'Jackets moved one step closer to checking a big accomplishment off their list, sweeping Hopewell in a Class 2A district quarterfinal playoff Tuesday night at North Hills Middle School.
The Vikings' spurts were few and far between as Freeport advanced with a 25-20, 25-14, 25-13 decision.
“I thought we did really well with our passing and defense tonight,” said senior outside hitter Lauren Lampus, who tallied 10 kills and 14 service points. “We did a great job of keeping the ball off the floor.”
The biggest threat posed by Hopewell came in the first set. After falling behind 14-6, the Vikings (11-6) reeled off six straight points which featured a kill from Leah Driscoll and a service ace from Mikaela Malobabich.
The 'Jackets' lead was down to 14-12, but senior Mackensey Jack dropped a kill to halt the run and Freeport never allowed such a spurt the rest of the night.
One reason for that was the play of senior setter Madeline Clark.“She was outstanding tonight and made good reads,” said Phillips. “She's a great athlete and steps things up during the summer.“(Driscoll) is a big hitter for them and we game-planned for her and shut her down for the most part. We kept the pressure on them the whole time and by the end of the second game, they (Vikings) were tired.”Madeline Clark added 15 service points and Isabella Russo had 10 kills.No. 2 Freeport (16-0) will face No. 6 Avonworth in a semifinal Thursday at a site and time to be determined.The Yellowjackets felt the sting of losing in the semifinals last year.“We didn't play our best that day and it has lit a fire under us this year,” said Lampus, who watched from the bench as a freshman the last time the 'Jackets won the WPIAL three years ago. “It would mean everything to me to go out as a WPIAL champion.”“It's going to take a really good team to beat us,” said Phillips. “We're aggressive, we play good defense and nerves don't get to our girls.”
