CLARION — Talk about sticking together.

When it comes to volleyball, twin sisters Lindsay and Lauren Wiefling have been inseparable.

They were teammates for two years at Knoch Middle School. They played together for four years at Knoch High, winning four section titles and reaching the WPIAL finals in 2003.

They even played together for four years at Clarion University.

"We've been through a lot," Lindsay Wiefling said. "Fortunately, we've been able to stay together."

And they're still together.

The Wiefling twins graduated from Clarion with degrees in education and minors in athletic coaching. Lindsay took a job as a second-grade teacher in the Clarion-Limestone School District and coached the eighth-grade volleyball team there last year.

Lauren, who is a substitute teacher throughout the area, became the seventh-grade volleyball coach.

When the high school varsity job came open this year, Lindsay applied for the position and got it. Lauren became her varsity assistant.

Their younger sister, Leanne, is a junior at Clarion University and serves as a volunteer assistant for the C-L High volleyball program. Leanne Wiefling played the sport at Knoch, but is not playing in college.

"The whole thing just worked out," Lindsay Wiefling said. "The timing was perfect and we're anxious to rebuild this program."

C-L won the District 9 volleyball title in 2004 and 2005, but the program has fallen on hard times since. Last year's team finished with a 2-9 record.

The Lions got off to a 1-2 start this year, defeating Venango Catholic and losing close matches to Karns City and A-C Valley.

"We're encouraged, but frustrated at the same time," Lindsay said. "We're right there. This team is ready to turn the corner. Our goal is a winning season and we feel like that's going to happen."

C-L's roster has 20 players — seven seniors, two juniors, five seniors and six freshmen.

While at Clarion, the Wiefling twins played for three head coaches in four years.

"That benefited us in the long run because it allowed us to learn different techniques and ways to play volleyball," Lauren Wiefling said. "We picked up different strategies that are helping us now."

Though they were active players only two years ago, the Wieflings insist they're qualified to guide a high school program.

"Age is meaningless," Lindsay said. "When you're ready, you're ready. That's why Lauren and I minored in coaching in college. We've known we wanted to coach for years and we've prepared for it."

Lauren Wiefling continues to seek a full-time teaching position and plans to continue coaching wherever she lands.

For now, she's enjoying coaching with her sisters.

"When Lindsay first got this job and I was still back home, that was our first time apart for a long time," Lauren said.

"We know this time is precious and we appreciate it. If I wind up teaching in this area full time, we'll still coach together. If I have to leave, I'll leave. But we'll never forget this."