On Oct. 30, the State High Girls Volleyball Team took on McDowell High School in the North Gym for their first playoff game.
The team is led by head coach Audrey McDonough, who officially has her first regular season as head coach under her belt. Heading into the playoffs, the girls had an undefeated season in the Mid-Penn conference and planned to continue the winning streak when they played the Trojans, who were 3-11 this season.
The team started off with a win in the first set with a score of 25-10. Kills came from seniors Harper Campbell and Miley McLaughlin, junior Lily Glenna, sophomore Stella Cawley and freshman Nora Cawley. The next two sets also went in State College’s favor, with scores of 25-9 and 25-5.
The team had gone into the game without playing a single match in over two weeks and had only been able to practice due to not getting a district game against Altoona.
“We were practicing pretty hard in the gym for the past 2 weeks,” Nora Cawley said.
Even though the team had not played a game in a while, they still had energy and momentum throughout each set.
“We were really excited, because we didn’t get to play a district game against Altoona, but we were really hyped up to play a game, cause we haven’t played anyone in two weeks,” Nora Cawley said.
Senior Paige Adams, who is a defensive specialist on the team but has been out due to an injury, has been beside the girls through each leg of the season.
“I think we were consistent, and I think that was a big part of why we came out with a big win,” Adams said.
After their first playoff win, the girls battled Pine-Richland on Nov. 4, who was ranked eighth in Pennsylvania. This matchup was known to be a more difficult battle for the team.
“I think they were very level-headed heading into playoffs, because they know it’s going to be a big uphill battle from here, and I think they did very well,“ Adams said.
Pine-Richland won 3-0, ending the postseason for State High and their chance at a state championship. The first set ended with a close score of 25-22 in favor of Pine-Richland. The second set had a score of 25-19, and the third set ended with a score of 25-22 for the second time that night.
Charlotte Thomas is a freshman on the State High JV team and was present at the Pine-Richland vs. State College match.
“I think when everything happened in the game, everyone was really excited, the fans and the bench, and I think they could have used that to their advantage. But I think they could’ve taken it farther and used their energy better,” Thomas said.
The season for State High Girls Volleyball has ended, so preparations and plans for next season are now able to be made.
