Physical talent abounds amongst the players who made the all-state volleyball teams.

Intangibles are popular, too, as evidenced by the six Butler County players who made the cut according to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.

Seneca Valley's Sarah White was named to the Class 4A team for the fourth time. North Catholic's Elizabeth Feczko made the Class 2A squad for the second time while teammates Ally Feczko and Sydnei Jones were so honored for the first time.

Rounding out the county's elite are Mars' Beth Long and Freeport's Erica Lampus, first-timers in Class 3A.

Versatility played a key part in several of the players' seasons. White, an Ohio State recruit, played both setter and outside hitter for the Raiders.

And she played both positions at an elite level, tallying 212 assists and 265 kills.

“For the last three seasons, she set and hit an equal amount,” said SV coach Brett Poirier. “Her knowledge of the game is her best (intangible). She was so mature at a young age and that's why she was able to break into the starting lineup for varsity at a Quad-A school as a freshman three years ago.”

White began playing competitively eight years ago. Since then, she can't remember a time when she did not seek knowledge that would help her improve.

“Since I started playing, volleyball has taken up so much of my time,” she said. “I love the game and I want to know as much about it as I can.”

Lampus, a junior, was counted on this season to lead a team that graduated much talent from the 2019 squad that won the WPIAL championship.

She started at libero as a freshman and sophomore, but moved to outside hitter this year and averaged 10 kills per match.

“Erica is such a talented girl ... libero is her natural position, but she can play any position on the court,” said Freeport coach Tom Phillips. “And she was more than happy to do it. That's just the kind of kid she is.”

“Playing the outside was different from anything I've ever played before,” said Lampus. “It took me a while to get used to it, but after a few games, it became easier.

“I'm really excited to be named all-state,” she added. “Not many people make it and it proves hard work can pay off.”

Relating to underclassmen proved to be a strength for North's Elizabeth Feczko, a senior who led the Trojanettes to the WPIAL title.

“She's a pretty awesome person, so well-rounded, on and off the court,” said North coach Amanda Fetter. “She related well to the younger players. North Catholic isn't that big of a school and she knew all of them, even before volleyball.”

Elizabeth Feczko, headed to play collegiately at Villanova, began her varsity career as a right-side hitter, switched to libero, then to setter before returning to libero as a senior.

She contributed 227 digs and 57 aces in 2020.

“All the moving around didn't bother me. Wherever we needed someone, I was willing to play,” she said.

Like Freeport, North lost a lot of key players from the 2019 team that won the state championship.

“Early on this season, I was a little nervous,” said Elizabeth. “We didn't get much of a chance to work with each other over the summer, but when we held tryouts, the level of play was higher than I expected.”

Of sophomores Ally Feczko and Jones, Fetter said: “They're both really good athletes and were super-consistent for us.”

Ally earned more playing time along the back row during the Trojanettes' playoff run in 2019 and had no trouble moving into the starting lineup this season as an outside hitter with 273 kills.

“Being part of a team that won the WPIAL title was nice,” she said. “I wasn't expecting to be named all-state, but it is an honor.”

Jones started as a middle hitter for South Fayette her freshman season and fit in well with North Catholic's plan after moving to setter. She dished out 456 assists.

“The other girls were encouraging; they were awesome,” said Jones. “That made it easier to get the hang of a new team and a new position.”

Long became Mars' career leader in digs this season, finishing with 534. She totaled 164 of those this season to go with 173 kills.

But personal achievements, including all-state, were not her aim.

“She worked at being a great teammate and consistently gave her best effort at practice, in the weight room, conditioning in the summer and in every match,” Mars coach Tami Caraway replied in an emailed interview. “She focused on the process and never mentioned individual accolades.”

The Planets finished in a four-way tie for the Section 5-3A title.

“It's always been that way for me,” Long said of putting the team first.