Freeport sweeps way into WPIAL 2A final
By Frank Richetti
Eagle Correspondent
NORTH ALLEGHENY — Freeport girl’s volleyball is one step away from a three-peat and its eighth WPIALClass 2A title.
The Yellowjackets continued their dominant playoff run – winning their third straight playoff match without losing a set – sweeping Avonworth, 3-0.
The Yellowjackets won by scores of 25-16, 25-15 and 25-20.
Freeport’s experience proved to be too much for the Antelopes to overcome. Avonworth made several runs to get back into the match, but Freeport’s leaders slammed the door shut each time. The reigning WPIAL and PIAA champions will defend their crown at AHN Arena in Peters Township on Saturday against the winner of Beaver and Quaker Valley.
The Yellowjackets’ duo of Alaina Whitlinger and Josie Russo took over the game on Tuesday night. Whitlinger tallied double digit kills and Russo had a series of crucial blocks whenever the Antelopes found momentum.
“These girls have lots of playoff experience” Freeport coach Tom Phillips said. “Alaina is a hot commodity on that outside, she can bring a lot of heat. Josie just gets better every week – week in and week out.”
After Avonworth went on a scoring run to bring the score within a point, Freeport senior Sydney Selker willed the Yellowjackets to victory in the second set to take control of the match. Selker and Whitlinger led Freeport in kills.
Freeport continues to be a matchup nightmare and that is something it embraces.
“We’re a tough matchup because of the balance and how we come at you,” Phillips said. “I thought our blocking was exceptional tonight.”
Avonworth coach John Skarupa said Freeport was able to take advantage of his team’s mistakes.
“I thought we showed up early in the sets and I give a lot of credit to Freeport because they were able to come and battle with us,” Skarupa said. “They were able to lay the hammer down whenever we needed to lay the hammer down. They took advantage of a lot of errors on our side and that’s because they have a lot of really good players.”
Nora Gavin led the Antelopes in kills. Russo, Peyton Cene and Leah Schreckengost all recorded aces for Freeport.
