Rocha having memorable final season with Holy Redeemer – Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice

Josh Rocha calmly hustles to his spot, then with a thrust of his powerful legs, takes flight. He elevates high above the net and, with a sweeping swing, slams the volleyball into the court, which creates an echoing boom throughout the gymnasium.

Time and time again, the Holy Redeemer senior hits with such velocity that it makes it nearly impossible to dig or deflect.

His explosive and dynamic playmaking has fueled a dominant run to the program’s first District 2 Class 2A championship since 2021. Now, he wants to lead the program to success on the state level as the PIAA Class 2A playoffs open on Tuesday.

Holy Redeemer (19-0) will host Carver Engineering & Science, the third-place team from District 12, at 6 p.m.

Crestwood (14-4), the second-place team from District 2, travels to play District 1 champion Dock Mennonite (5-15) at 5 p.m. in another first-round match.

“I really want to make the most of this opportunity, and I really want to go far in the state playoffs,” Rocha, 17, said. “We have to play as a team. If we try to do too much, things don’t go well. We are there for each other and working for something bigger.”

A four-year member of the volleyball team, Rocha has had a steady ascension in a sport he just took up as a freshman.

He played a role in the Royals’ runner-up finishes to District 2 champion Blue Ridge the last two seasons. As a sophomore, he contributed 179 kills and had 357 kills in 2024.

This spring, he has emerged as one of the top players in the state after putting in hard work during the winter season with Prevail Volleyball Club based in Annville.

“I would drive there every Tuesday and Thursday to practice and play tournaments on the weekends,” Rocha said.

A 6-foot-0 senior is threatening to reach 1,000 kills for the season. He has 1,437 kills, 390 digs, and 116 blocks in his career.

His statistics include nonleague tournament matches, and he has impressed against the top competition the Royals have faced.

Rocha slammed 43 kills in a 3-1 win over Abington Heights, the District 2 Class 3A champion. In the District 2 Class 2A playoffs, he has 124 kills in 10 sets played, including 52 in the championship win over Crestwood last week.

“That felt amazing,” Rocha said. “We hadn’t won one in my career, so it was nice to get it.”

While Rocha’s individual numbers are staggering, he is quick to point out the contributions of his teammates to his success.

Junior Jack Wasiakowski has 913 assists this season and 2,331 in his three seasons as the starting setter. Senior Hayden Fleegle has added 46 assists.

“I don’t see it as much as me and my stats,” Rocha said. “I am the main hitter, yes, and I like that because it gives me an edge when I play. I always want to do better every single time that I play.

“In moments when I am not giving enough, my teammates are right there. Jack is a fantastic athlete and an even better person.”

Despite Rocha’s production, this week’s play will bring his competitive volleyball career to a close, he thinks.

He is headed to Penn State University, where he plans to study pre-medicine.

But if it is the end, the standout has left his mark at Holy Redeemer and will continue to cherish the special moments with this team that restored the glory to the Royals.

“I learned a lot about volleyball with this team,” Rocha said. “I learned more about leadership and resilience. We faced adversity each year, and we came back stronger each time, and I am extremely proud of that.

“In my sophomore year, I fell in love with the sport. The volleyball community at Holy Redeemer is amazing, and I would encourage anyone to join this program.”

Crestwood vs. Dock Mennonite

After suffering a 3-0 loss to Holy Redeemer a month ago, Crestwood started building momentum and made a charge to the state playoffs.

The Comets defeated North Pocono, Abington Heights, which won the District 2 Class 3A championship, and Valley View by 3-0 scores and fought past Western Wayne, 3-2, in the District 2 Class 2A semifinals.

They were confident and played with energy in a Set 1 win over undefeated Holy Redeemer, and also held leads in two other sets in the District 2 championship loss, earning a spot in the PIAA tournament.

Crestwood faces Dock Mennonite on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Dock Mennonite defeated Holy Redeemer, 3-0, in 2023.

Tyler McLaughlin led Crestwood with 11 kills and nine service points in the District 2 final against Holy Redeemer. JJ Stec added 10 kills, two blocks, 11 digs, and four service points; Luke Joseph had 18 digs; and Zach Koons had 20 assists for the Comets.