Clarion Volleyball Advances To PIAA “Final Four” (11/12/2017)

on 12 November, 2017 at 16:42

(By CSZ Sports Writer Kenn Staub) The Clarion Bobcat volleyball team bested the Northern Cambria Colts in four sets on Saturday (11/11) to secure a place in the PIAA Class A semifinals. Northern Cambria took the first set of the quarterfinal match-up 27-25, following which Clarion reeled off three consecutive wins 25-20, 25-14, 25-16 to reach the “Final Four”. After the match Bobcat Head Coach Shari Campbell expressed pride in the teamwork her players demonstrated on their way to the win.

Coach Campbell thought her team served tough, putting pressure on Northern Cambria’s passers. Maya Thornton (3 aces) and Brenna Campbell (1 ace) both served for 11 points. Alexis Constantino had 9 from the service line, while Lexi Lauer had 8 (1 ace). Campbell had 38 assists, making what her coach described as great choices that set up all five of the Bobcat hitters. Thornton led Clarion with 16 kills, with Hailey Sintobin putting down 9 and Sydney Kiser.

Brenna Campbell sets up Maddie Schill

Maddie Schill with a block

Clarion’s defense was led by Constantino, Thornton, and Lauer. Coach Campbell was pleased with the hustle of all three and the way they were able to get the ball to the offense. Constantino paced the defense with 18 digs. Thornton finished the day with 14 digs and Lauer 10. The Clarion coach also singled out the play of middles Sintobin and Maddie Schill, noting that their blocking put pressure on the opposition’s passers. Schill led the Bobcats with 5 blocks, Sintobin had 2. Lauer also played impressively at the net, making 4 blocks over the course of the match.

Clarion will travel to Slippery Rock High School on Tuesday (11/14) to play District 10 champion Maplewood in the semifinals (start time is 6:30). The Tigers advanced by sweeping District 9 champs Otto-Eldred 25-13, 25-19, 26-24. Coach Campbell is looking forward to a great semifinal match with Maplewood, thankful to have the season extended and the opportunity to get better.

(LET’S GO CATS!!)

(photographs courtesy of Kim Constantino)