As we reach the midpoint of the 2024 WPIAL Class 3A volleyball season, the competition is heating up with several top teams vying for playoff positioning.
WPIAL Class 3A has turned out to be perhaps the most contested classification in all of the WPIAL at the halfway point, with teams moving in and out of the rankings almost on a weekly basis.
The current top five in the rankings are Mars, Beaver, Montour, Freeport, and Chartiers Valley.
Team Highlights:
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Mars (8-3): Mars has made waves with a big win in the MAC Tournament, taking down both Beaver and Montour. They’ve also notched impressive victories over Shaler, Hampton, and Freeport. With rematches against Freeport and Hampton coming up, Mars will be tested as they look to hold onto their top spot in Section 2.
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Beaver (8-3): The defending Class 2A champions, who moved up to Class 3A this year, continue to impress, winning the Canon Mac Tipoff Tournament with standout victories over Upper St. Clair and Canon McMillan. With key non-section wins over Quaker Valley and Eden Christian, Beaver is showing they can contend in this higher classification. A crucial showdown with Mars on Tuesday will help determine the pecking order in Class 2A.
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Montour (8-1): Montour has been dominant, securing important wins over Chartiers Valley, Hampton, and South Fayette. Currently leading Section 1, they have the edge for the section title with their earlier win over Chartiers Valley, but a huge rematch looms on October 15.
- Freeport (6-1): Freeport is quietly building a strong season with wins over Corry, Hampton, and Quaker Valley. They’ve been competitive in Section 2, but a loss to Mars earlier this season has them in the unfamiliar position of looking up in the standings.
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Chartiers Valley (9-1): Chartiers Valley has staked its claim as one of the top teams in Section 1 alongside Montour, with a key win over South Fayette. Their only loss came against Montour, but the rematch in mid-October will be a pivotal game for the section crown.
Impressive Player Performances:
- Mars: Junior middle blocker Cecilia Christy and Senior outside hitter Ella NIcotra have lead a balanced attack.
- Beaver: Junior outside hitter Kailyn Connely (6’2, committed to Middle Tennessee State) has been dominant, while Aubrey Bumblis (LB) has anchored the defense.
- Chartiers Valley: Senior middle blocker Kaylie Baumgart (6’0, committed to Duquesne) has been a key player at the net.
- Montour: Senior middle blocker Kennady Martindale (6’2) has led the charge in the front row.
- Freeport: Alaina Whitlinger (OH) and Leah Schrecengost (OP) have been key offensive contributors.
Key Storylines:
- Beaver vs. Mars on Tuesday, Oct 1 will be a pivotal matchup that could be pivotal for playoff seeding.
- Chartiers Valley vs. Montour (Oct. 15) is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season, with the Section 1 title likely on the line.
- Mars has been the standout team in Section 2, but with rematches against Freeport and Hampton in the second half, they’ll need to maintain their high level of play.
What’s Next:
As the second half of the season kicks off, the battle for playoff seeding intensifies, but section crowns will be determined as well.
Montour and Chartiers Valley are the leaders for the Section 1 crown, while Mars and Freeport continue to fight for the top spot in Section 2.
With such key matchups on the horizon, the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting battle between several of the area’s best teams.
Stay tuned as these teams continue to push toward the postseason, with big games on the way that will undoubtedly shake up the standings!