Mirror file photo
Senior Megan Kelly is one of three returning starters for Altoona, which competes in the Mid-Penn.

Hollidaysburg defeated Somerset in the District 5-6 Class 3A high school girls volleyball semifinals but fell, 3-2, to Central Mountain in the district title game a year ago.

Altoona also made it to the championship in 4A but was swept by State College.

Bishop Carroll, Bellwood-Antis, Penn Cambria and Glendale won playoff matchups before being eliminated.

Everyone will be trying to make a longer run this year as the new season begins.

Glendale brings back Rachel McClellan, who was a first-team Mirror all-star last season, and Altoona has Annalyse Yost, who was also a first-teamer.

Braelyn Hall, a first-teamer from Juniata Valley last season, enters her senior year.

Bishop Carroll brings back Emily Olienyk, who is a junior this season but was a first-teamer as a sophomore.

BC’s Allie Dziabo is now at Central Cambria for her senior season.

The following is a capsulized look at each high school girls volleyball team in the Mirror’s core coverage area:

Altoona

Coach: John Saboe, seventh year

Career record: 37-65

Last year’s record: 4-13

Conference: Mid-Penn

Returning starters: Seniors–Megan Kelly OH, Annalyse Yost MH. Junior–Kayden Weyandt MH

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Maraya Bittner setter, Sage Bower OH/opposite, Kihlee Noel opposite, Marina Petucci libero. Juniors–Sophia Knorr OH, Maleah Koch opposite, Selena Lopez-Oakes setter, Alexandra Rosenberry def., Brianna Sanchez opposite Sophomores–Mayah Bower MH, Ava Miller MH, Addison Mitchell OH, Marissa Rosas setter

Newcomers: Senior–Violet Over opposite. Freshmen–Haleigh Fisher OH, Zaraya Henderson MH, Sarah Irwin def., Maddison Johnson def., Everly Nixon opposite, Jordan Noel MH, opposite, Kacie O’Connor def., Anjali Patel OH, Maddie Rupp OH, Morgon Thompson setter

Strengths: “We have a solid core of athletic, versatile and competitive players. Offensively, we feel we have an experienced upperclassman group that have found their ‘put-away’ ability and a great mix of young talent that is developing those ‘put-away’ skills. In addition, we’ll need to rely on our tough serving and scrappy defense to keep us in games.”

Concerns: “We lost four key seniors from last year, but we have a great core of athletes to step into those spots. We are dedicating a lot of time to our defensive strategy. Our team is working to be very aggressive, so we need to keep our unforced errors to a minimum and be patient during long rallies as our offense continues to develop.”

Overall outlook: “As always, we have a very demanding schedule, and it will challenge us game in and game out. And once again, our team has set very high goals for themselves. Provided, we have solid leadership, focused discipline, and attention to detail, we feel confident that our team will be battle-tested, exciting to watch and a definite contender for the District 6 4A title by the end of the season.”

Assistant coaches: Makenzie Negri, Andrea Kiser (volunteer), Alyssa Fasolo (volunteer), Karan Price (volunteer), Caleb Fries (volunteer), Derek Trimmer (volunteer)

Junior high coaches: Alyssa Fasolo (head coach), Caleb Fries (assistant coach), Matt Rupp (volunteer) Annie Rupp (volunteer)

Bellwood-Antis

Coach: Sophie McFarland

Career record: 41-18

Last year’s record: 14-6

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Bella Myers MH, Lily McNelis OH. Juniors–Ava Worthing OH, Giuliana Gummo setter/def., Alexis Wagner libero

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Riley Barnhart OH, Alia Bennett def. Juniors–Scotlyn Hassler MH/opposite, Olivia Rishel OH/opposite, Lauren Marinak setter, Izzy Caracciolo opposite/def. Sophomores–Calista Long MH, Allison Heisler setter/def., Hayden Taylor setter/def., Abby Clabaugh OH/opposite, Macy Keller opposite/def.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Hayden Drost def. Freshmen–Teagan Miller MH/OH, Brylee Renney setter, Leah Mock outside/OH, Izzy Weeks OH/opposite, Sophie Lovrich def., Abby DeArmitt OH/opposite, Jordan Johnsonbaugh MH, Piper McKinney OH, Amelia Gerwert MH, Addison Wagner def.

Strengths: “We have a large team with great energy. This group of girls works hard and hustles every play. Our defense is scrappy and quick, and some of our returning starters have been great leaders already this offseason.”

Concerns: “We lost a group of senior leaders that included our setter and some power hitters. We are looking for underclassmen to step up and fill those roles with confidence.”

Overall outlook: “We are excited to see some players in new positions this year. Although our team is young, I think we will surprise other teams with our willingness to play hard and aggressively.”

Assistant coach: Pam Hoffer

Junior high coaches: Brandon Frazeur, Mackenzie Lechner

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Kate Patrick, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 13-7

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Senior–Sophie Becquet OH. Juniors–Emily Olienyk MH, Olivia Gregg OH

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Alivia Nagle, Alena Nagle, Taylor Diehl, Kylee Newfield. Juniors–Madilynn Harker, Grace Blake, Lilyann Strait, Adison Myers. Sophomore–Cora Koscho

Newcomers: Sophomore–Adrienna Ditosti. Freshmen–Kaydyn Smith, Kenadee Farabaugh

Strengths: “We have some talent among this group of girls, especially when we are on the attack.”

Concerns: “If we can get the mentality set that every ball is playable and never give up on the play, that will elevate our game.”

Overall outlook: “Our goals are high and the potential is there. With some hard work, technical fine tuning, and lots of good team chemistry, we see this team going far.”

Assistant coach: Mara Yahner

Junior high coach: Kara Krauss

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Cassidy Platt, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 1-17

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Annalise Casillo OH, Leah Byrne OH. Junior–Anberlyn Petrecca OH. Sophomore–Mary Haigh MH

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Rebekah Adams opposite/def., Lilly Butterbaugh MH, Isabella Casanave opposite, Lauren Lehman OH/opposite, Amelia Orr MH. Juniors–Adrianna Myers OH, Lyla Steward setter

Newcomers: Junior–Payton Kephart libero. Sophomores–Grace Cioffari setter, Noelle Conrad MH, Morgan Ebersole opposite, Evie Koch setter

Strengths: “This is a group of hardworking, determined athletes who have really stepped up this summer. They have grown a lot, both in their individual skills and in how they work together. All players have been completely open and adaptable to different positions, lineups, and situations, which shows their team-first mindset. Our seniors have also stepped into strong leadership roles, setting the tone, and leading by example for the rest of the team.”

Concerns: “Like any team still learning each other’s styles, we are working on building that on-court chemistry and consistency. It takes time to really click as a group, but every practice and game will continue to bring them closer.”

Overall outlook: “I am so proud of how far our girls have come already and I cannot wait to see what they do this season. They are eager, coachable, and ready to compete. If they keep up the hard work, I think we are in for a really exciting year.”

Assistant coach: Vaia Pentsas-Myers

Junior high coaches: Greg Conrad, Andrea Lascoli, Niki Gioiosa

Cambria Heights

Coach: Jason Sowers, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 15-15

Conference: Heritage

Returning starters: Seniors–Regan Conrad OH, Carly Sowers OH, Sophia Cann RS

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors–Claire Nihart setter, Aubrey Ranck MH, Abagail Terza MH, Cara Jacobs OH, Kaitlyn Fox RS, Grace Hock setter. Sophomore–Elena Eckenrode libero

Newcomers: Sophomores–Taylor Redfield def., Amelia Bertram setter, MH. Freshmen–Jordan Westrick setter, Brienna Kirsch OH, Cali Abrams def., Rebecca Weiland MH, Julia Karlheim MH, Kinley Farabaugh def., Hannah Farabaugh setter/RS

Strengths: “Our strengths are our senior returning players and our young player commitment, athleticism and willingness to learn.”

Concerns: “We have a young team who need to get used to playing together.”

Overall outlook: “Our school just missed playoffs last year. I think we have a good shot at making it further this year if the players keep working hard.”

Assistant coaches: Kadence DellaValle, Alanna Sowers (volunteer), Eric Sowers (volunteer)

Junior high coaches: Jonathan Farabaugh, Chrissie Sowers

Central

Coach: Mary Baker, 17th year

Career record: 175-127

Last year’s record: 3-15

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Addison Closson pin hitter, Kerrie Mock MH, Amber Shade setter, Sophia Marko def. Junior–Ellie Fisher pin hitter

Other returning letterwinners: Junior–Addie Imes pin hitter/MH. Sophomores–Alyssa Steele def., Lanah Goff def., Ella Karstetter setter

Strengths: “Senior Amber Shade will be returning as our setter to lead our offense. We have a few key players that are going to make some noise and contribute to our offense. Our defense has been working really hard during the summer months on their quickness and hustle.”

Concerns: “The Laurel Highlands league is very strong. Getting off to a better start and competing against the stronger teams in the league.”

Overall outlook: “With a blend of experienced players and a promising group of young players we hope to improve and compete throughout the season.”

Assistant coaches: Ken Streilein, Aaron Bowers (volunteer)

Central Cambria

Coach: Leah Montgomery, second year at Central Cambria, 30th overall

Last year’s record: 10-12

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Senior–Erica Brouse OH. Juniors–Rowan Ruddek libero, Riley Kauffman setter, Katie Benko MH. Sophomore–Mara Pablic OH

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Maryn Shirk def. Juniors–Kaitlyn Zernick def., Cameron Matlin RS/def. Sophomores–Hannah Amigh MH/OH, Aubry Kabo OH, Makenna Kim setter, Ella Conrad def., Gianna Grimaldi MH/RS

Newcomers: Senior–Allie Dziabo MH. Freshmen–Eryn Kauffman RS, Adrianna Wayno OH

Strengths: “Talent, coachable, teamwork, experience.”

Concerns: “Injury, keeping it together for the long haul.”

Overall outlook: “We should have a winning season barring injury and being able to continue working as a team. Even though we have a small team we have a good bench.”

Assistant coach: Elaina Gehlman

Junior high coaches: Cathay Gilkey, Kendra Fox

Claysburg-Kimmel

Coach: Laura Mortimore, second year

Career record: 7-15

Last year’s record: 7-15

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Payton Hinish setter, Lauren Roxby hitter. Sophomores–Isabella Paris hitter, Lauren Imler hitter, Lanah Herline hitter, Caroline Bass hitter

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Alicia Musselman hitter, Destiny Bauman hitter. Junior–Grayce Douglas def. Sophomore–Harlee Harclerode setter

Newcomers: Senior–Malie Wond def. Sophomores–Anna Jackson hitter, Lily Claar hitter, Adalyn Weyandt def. Freshmen–Kaitlyn Mortimore def., Cailynn Imler setter, Aleah Rightenour setter, Kaylee Thompson hitter, Kayleigh Murtaugh def., Emma Kelly def., Aubrey Walter hitter

Strengths: “Our team is a great combination of strong senior leadership but also knowledgeable younger players. The large majority of this group played together last season, which makes for good chemistry. Lastly, it’s a very balanced team — we don’t rely on just one position — and that will make us unpredictable and resilient.”

Concerns: “One concern we’re working on is consistency — especially maintaining our intensity from set to set. We start strong, but we’re focusing on staying locked in when momentum shifts or fatigue sets in.”

Overall outlook: “We are returning a strong core, and our outlook is very promising. With the experience and chemistry this group brings, we’re focused on playing consistent, high-level volleyball and making a deep run in the post season.”

Assistant coaches: Melody Musselman, Ally Dickens

Junior high coaches: Emily Rightenour, Kaeley Long, Ally Dickens

Glendale

Coach: Brenda Hewitt, ninth year

Career record: 84-59-2

Last year’s record: 11-12

Conference: ICC

Returning starters: Seniors–Addy Kelly OH, Hannah Matish setter, Rachel McClellan OH, Madi Skebeck MH, Ava Rutter libero

Newcomers: Juniors–Taya Mazenko utl., Olivia Frank OH, Olivia Feige setter, Elizabeth Kaufman utl., Kara Smith MH. Sophomores–Hannah Bollinger setter, Leah Boslet utl., Avery Crynock setter, Lia Dick OH, Gabriella Leide MH. Freshmen–Rosalie McClellan OH, Emily Sinclair MH

Strengths: “We have a majority of the team returning, including five seniors who have a lot of knowledge and leadership.”

Concerns: None listed

Overall outlook: “We look forward to improving our skills, team chemistry and record from previous years.”

Assistant coach: Brenda Wilson

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Brandon Stitt, second year

Career record: 17-4

Last year’s record: 17-4

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Addison Basenback OH, Nora Stanek RS/OH/def. Sophomores–Kynlee Budny OH, Mackenzie McLanahan libero/def.

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Sahara McNeal MH, Rylee Harshaw def./libero, Brooke Miller def. Junior–Skylee Bailey MH. Sophomores–Delayni Baird setter, Lena Ransom MH, Isabella Basenback OH/RS, Jessica Becker libero/def.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Brooklyn Boggetta RS, Samira Patel setter, Lilah Black MH/OH, Addison Horrel OH, Gabrielle Hall MH/RS, Eva Lantz def., Morgan Berkheimer def., Raylin Murray def., Kendall Margroum RS

Strengths: “We return a lot of girls with experience this year. We have two of the better outside hitters in the conference back and better than ever. We return our libero and also have a lot of experience and competition for that spot as well as our defensive specialist spot. Our setter is ready to take the next step this year after getting some playing time at the varsity level last year. We look to return our all-conference middle after missing last year with an ACL injury but the girls who will be holding down that spot at the beginning of the season have improved as well and will make for a highly competitive battle. We are looking to have an even faster offense than we have had on the court in the past as well as some bigger blocks.”

Concerns: “We’ve been unable to get over the hump the last two years in terms of getting that district title back so we have to be able to get past that mental barrier and be able to play our best in the biggest games. Serve receive is always a big factor in the game of volleyball so being able to get that to be a strength of ours so that we can run our offense the way we would like. We’re going to have three new hitters this season that didn’t get those reps last year so being able to get them where they need to be so that they are effective on a consistent basis will be a goal of ours this season.”

Overall outlook: “We are very optimistic this season. Last year we had to play a lot of freshmen at the varsity level, we got them all back with that added year of experience and then with a good mix of seniors we’re hoping we can find the right formula for success.”

Assistant coaches: Elizabeth Yacobucci, Dean Grenfell, Hannah Reed

Junior high coaches: Alexis Keagy, Claire Sauerland

Juniata Valley

Coach: Mary Reed, 20th year

Last year’s record: 15-4

Conference: ICC

Returning starters: Seniors–Braelyn Hall libero, Paige Robinson MH, Madyson Burdge setter/RS, Sidney Entreken setter/RS, Kaitlyn Sager OH. Juniors–Shawnee Bishop OH, Ava Sager OH. Sophomores–Addison Borst OH, Ava Wise MH

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors–Jocelyn McMahon setter/RS, Shealynn Bishop setter/RS, Sheridan McGargle setter/RS, Chloe Weaver libero, Natalie Thompson MH

Newcomers: Juniors–Gracey Smith MH, Lexey Smith MH. Sophomores–Julia Jackson OH/MH, McKenzi Harpster OH, Mazzy Hartman MH, Leah Lightner def., Hailey Dearmitt def., Chassity Houck setter/RS

Strengths: “We are returning the bulk of our team this year, after graduating only four seniors. This team has been playing well together for several years. We have good leadership with the five seniors this season. They all have played for six years and are excited to get the season started.”

Concerns: “Always concerned with keeping all of our players healthy.”

Overall outlook: “This team is exciting to watch, they are aggressive and play well together, because they play for each other. They are hungry to get back to district playoffs and improve on their fourth-place seeding from last year.”

Assistant coaches: Christy Steidle, Emma Musser

Junior high coaches: Tori Wilt, Karlee Shook

Northern Bedford

Coach: Shalonne Sipes, sixth year

Career record: 43-51

Last year’s record: 7-12

Conference: ICC

Returning starters: Seniors–Emalee Bowser opposite/OH, Kaylee Ebersole libero. Juniors–Grace Dainty MH/OH, Amberly Detterline MH, Callie Miller setter, Ava Sipes OH

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Elisa Camenga. Juniors–Ember Martin, Gracie Heaton, Cara Bywater, Kassidy Claycomb. Sophomores–Alexia Helsel, McKenna Reasy, Molli Stepisianos

Newcomers: Junior–Keyona Hall. Sophomores–Madison Baker, Elena Cruse, Myha Dixon, Kyra Mowery, Josie Robinette, Mylie Stiver. Freshmen–Hadassah Brockus, Breanna Bollman

Strengths: “We have almost our whole starting lineup from last season returning, so we have more experience going into the season than we did last year. We have a little bit of height in our front row, which is an added bonus as something you can’t coach. This team doesn’t give up on the ball and knows how to play a scrappy game.”

Concerns: “Every season, my biggest concern is always player illness or injury. We have a tough schedule this year and we need everyone to stay healthy throughout the season.”

Overall outlook: “I have a positive outlook on what this team can accomplish this year. I look for us to be competitive within our league and district.”

Assistant coach: Jenn Davis

Junior high coaches: Betsy Francke, Alison Ritchey, Lindsey Bolinger

Penn Cambria

Coach: Travis Schluep, third year

Career record: 14-24

Last year’s record: 13-7

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Kaydynce Baney MH, Makenna McCoy RS/setter, Reagan Ronan libero. Junior–Avery LeMaster OH. Sophomore–Kate Eckenrode OH

Other returning letterwinners: Senior–Peyton Farabaugh setter. Juniors–Kierstin Wilson def., Isabelle Weisinger MH/RS, Eden Davison MH, Chloe Harer OH/RS. Sophomore–Lily Gergely MH

Newcomers: Junior–Logan Krug OH/RS. Sophomores–Natalie Rossman def., Avayah LeMaster OH, Evelyn Lassak OH, Eva Packer OH, Clare Rice RS, Aubry Packer OH/RS, Madelyn Kittell setter, Anelaine Scott MH, Adyson Lloyd OH, Katie Marana def.

Strengths: “We have some really solid strong hitters on both the varsity and junior varsity. We have lots of young athletic players allowing us to really build the program. Our seniors have played a lot of volleyball over their careers so they bring lots of experience and provide good examples for our younger girls.”

Concerns: “We need to be consistent in our game — we have lots of younger girls so we are working on minimizing our own mistakes. We want to be consistent in all parts of the game — passing, serving, setting and hitting.”

Overall outlook: “I think we will be a competitive team that builds off the success we had last year.”

Assistant coach: Maddi Laret

Junior high coaches: Amanda Smorto, Amy Walters

Portage

Coach: Mary Miller, second year

Career record: 4-14

Last year’s record: 4-14

Conference: Heritage

Returning starters: Seniors–Calla Miko MH, Ava Offman def., Olivia Girard MH, Kaidance Kauffman RS. Juniors–Mya Selapack setter, Kierra McCarty MH, Kylie Hess libero, Contessa Smith RS, Bridget Semanchick OH, Addyson Jodon def. Sophomore–Johanna Noel OH

Other returning letterwinners: Junior–Marissa Plummer RS. Sophomore–Mya Burda RS

Newcomers: Junior–Kaylee Grove def. Sophomore–Lucy Lee OH. Freshmen–Chloe Trusik setter, Josie Sossong MH, Stephanie Lee OH, Nina Allison OH, Cameron Phillips OH, Haleigh Buck OH, Bailey Maul OH, Brooke Stager def., Lyana Perez def. Zoey Boast libero

Strengths: “We still have a lot of girls returning this year along with new freshmen. One of our strengths this year is that our starting lineup received varsity experience last year, so they know what to expect. They fought hard last year and learned a lot from playing at a competitive level. I also think this team is resilient, which is something we were working on last season. We were able to compete in tough games and come back from major deficits. This year, I see a desire in these girls to want to improve and make corrections. This year, I am excited for our girls to show the conference what we are capable of.”

Concerns: “We are still a young team and crave more experience.”

Overall outlook: “I believe in this team. I am proud of the hard work they have put in to improve for this season. I have no doubt that these girls will put forth the effort to improve our record and come together as a team.”

Assistant coach: Marla Nesbella

Junior high coaches: Kayla Fisher, Nicole Hunt

Tyrone

Coach: Alesha Weaver, fourth year

Career record: 33-24

Last year’s record: 6-11

Conference: LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors–Rylan Crowell OH, Sarila Hensley OH/opposite/MH, Bailey Woomer setter, Abigail Anthony libero, def., Elise Volders MH

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors–Sidney Goodwin setter/opposite, Raleigh Oliver def. Juniors–Haleigh Hunter DS, Kaylee Little MH/OH/opposite. Sophomores–Lily Rossman OH, Lola Woomer MH/opposite/OH, Madyson Nelson MH, Amaya Martin setter/opposite

Newcomers: Freshmen–Zoey Barnhart MH, Maura Gehlman def./OH, Kaylin Romano opposite, Jocelyn Ciampoli OH, Aleigha Gummo opposite

Strengths: “We have a lot of returning players with a lot of experience.”

Concerns: “Getting our freshmen up to speed with a faster-paced game.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking forward to a great season. I think they have been working hard in the gym.”

Assistant coach: Rylee Ritko

Junior high coaches: Jared Baronner, Sydney McGinnis

Williamsburg

Coach: Olivia Aurandt, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year’s record: 8-13

Conference: ICC

Returning starters: Seniors–Maura Cresswell setter, Jana Somers OH. Juniors–Raina Alexander OH, Katie Merritts MH. Sophomores–Bella Strohmeyer MH, Karsyn Walter OH

Other returning letterwinners: Sophomores–Kylie Simpson libero, Addy Johnson setter/RS, Jordan Flaig RS/setter, Payton Lear MH, Rylee Walters OH/def.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Sariah Beatty OH, Elizabeth Nichols MH

Strengths: “We are a young team that is very dedicated. We have become stronger as a team and as a unit this off season through league play. These girls want to work together to do big things as individuals and as a team. Strong hitting and serving strength as well as a positive attitude are some big things we have been working towards.”

Concerns: “Consistency and durability. Losing the battle in the back half of the game is something we plan to focus on in these last few weeks leading up to game day. We want to get stronger as game play goes on rather than wear out.”

Overall outlook: “Positivity, teamwork, and determination are the key to advancing ourselves not only as people and individuals, but as a team as well.”

Assistant coach: Krista Simpson