Freeport volleyball targets WPIAL title against Avonworth
The undefeated team faces the No. 3 seed at Peters Township on Saturday.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Freeport volleyball will face Avonworth at 1 p.m. Saturday in the WPIAL Class 3A championship match at Peters Township’s AHN Arena.
The Yellowjackets enter the contest with a 20-0 record, while the No. 3 Avonworth team holds an 18-3 mark. Coach Tom Phillips describes his roster as young, noting that the group has developed through consistent competition. The team includes 11 sophomores who also play club volleyball. This squad does not share many players with the group that won WPIAL titles in 2022 and 2023 and captured a state crown in 2022.
Earlier in the season, Freeport navigated a difficult road match against Clarion-Limestone. Officials arrived late, delaying the start of that game by one hour. The venue was a small, crowded gymnasium where opponents' fans sat close to the court. Phillips noted that the opposing fans were right on top of the team. Freeport lost the first set but won the final three to secure the victory.
Junior outside hitter Emily Boylan stated that some observers assume the undefeated record resulted from an easy path. She argued that the team overcame adversity, including multiple injuries and tough competition. Sophomore outside hitter Brynleigh Paga stepped into a larger role when Boylan suffered an ankle injury that kept her out for nearly a month. Paga previously started on the JV team, which did not lose a set during the season. She also covered for senior Jayme Radvan and junior Evie Tola during the regular season.
Sophomore middle blocker Lucy Majersky serves as a starter. Phillips indicated that Majersky would ideally play the right side, but her blocking ability is a key asset. The coaching staff also emphasized the contributions of senior Macy Stivenson, junior libero Nina Pagano, and junior setter Caylee Zembrzuski. Boylan said the JV squad provides a strong challenge during practices, which prepares the varsity players for game time.
The program’s history influences the current group. Phillips stated that the players know the legacy and understand the requirements to reach the championship. The team also participated in a summer camp at Penn State, where 15 regional teams gathered. Freeport brought both its JV and varsity squads to the event. They faced each other in a gold medal match at the tournament.
Penn State coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley addressed the players at the end of the camp. She told the group that she could not believe their young athletes were performing at such a high level. She said she would keep her eye on them throughout the season.
