Keys to the game for Freeport and North Catholic in PIAA girls volleyball quarterfinals
Freeport and North Catholic girls volleyball have advanced to the PIAA tournament quarterfinals Saturday after big wins in Tuesday’s first round.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in a pair of WPIAL-vs.-WPIAL matchups that will decide who plays in Tuesday’s state semifinals:
Site/time: AHN Arena, Peters Township HS, 11 a.m.
Up next: Winner of 7-2 Avonworth (19-4) vs. 6-1 Richland (20-1)
Key to the game: The Raiders won their first PIAA playoff game to get here and are led by Harper Grimes — who had 10 kills, 11 digs and five blocks Tuesday against Chestnut Ridge — and setter Chatham Knight (37 assists, 10 digs). Freeport head coach Tom Phillips and setter Caylee Zembrzuski appeared confident in the matchup after Tuesday’s sweep of Franklin. Zembrzuski, a junior, said it’ll be important to frustrate Waynesburg’s defense to keep the offense from getting in rhythm. The undefeated Yellowjackets have had success holding in check one- or two-hitter teams so far this postseason.
“When I saw them play against Avonworth (in the WPIAL semifinals), they are a couple-hitter heavy,” Zembrzuski said. “It’s gonna be scrappy.”
Site/time: North Allegheny HS, 2 p.m.
Up next: Winner of 1-3 West Chester Rustin (20-3) vs. 7-1 Peters Township (22-1)
Key to the game: It’s a rematch of the WPIAL semifinals, which the Trojanettes won 3-1. The Titans are led by Jacksonville University commit, middle hitter Sophia Spynda, and Lock Haven commit, outside hitter Aubrey Blank. North will need to contain those two (again) while getting senior middle hitter Lauren Reitz, senior outside hitter Jocelyn Roofner and the rest of the offense going. The offense was thrown off balance in the WPIAL championship loss to Peters Township, the likely semifinal opponent for whoever wins this game.
