Freeport volleyball advances with 3-0 home sweep
BUFFALO TWP — They hang from the wall in Freeport’s gymnasium, reminding fans and players alike of the volleyball team’s annual goal — seven WPIAL championship banners, all won within the last 13 years.
After an 18-1 regular season, the Yellowjackets were dominant Thursday in their quest for No. 8.
Freeport, two-time defending WPIAL and defending state champion, made quick work of Charleroi in a Class 2A first-round playoff, sweeping the Cougars by scores of 25-7, 25-8 and 25-9.
“I remember coming to games when I was growing up, thinking that I wanted to be part of this success,” said junior outside hitter Alaina Whitlinger, who had eight kills in Thursday’s win. “I didn’t want to let the past generations of players down.”
This year’s team has the pieces in place to add to an already-strong tradition.
“I tell (senior setter) Grace Beach that she doesn’t have to win games on her own, just manage the players around her,” said Freeport coach Tom Phillips. “We have such a dynamic group of hitters, can attack teams from all angles ... from the middle, outside and back row. That makes us a dangerous team.”
Senior outside hitter Sydney Selker tallied 12 kills against Charleroi and senior middle Josie Russo had six.
The team has a new libero in sophomore Peyton Cene, who Phillips said is “rounding into form.”
The only loss sustained by the ‘Jackets came against Class 4A heavyweight Seneca Valley. They’ve breezed through the vast majority of their other encounters.
“Practices can be light, but when we’re preparing to face a really good team, they become harder and more intense,” Whitlinger said.
Freeport (19-1) will face Shenango, a 3-2 winner over South Allegheny, in a quarterfinal Saturday at a time and site to be determined.
The ‘Jackets defeated Shenango in the WPIAL final a year ago.
“We all feel it in our hearts,” added Whitlinger. “We want to win this year for the seniors because they’ve meant so much to the team. We want to win WPIALs and go to states.”
Seniors on this year’s team include captains Autumn English, Russo, Beach and Selker.
