OLSH girls bow in WPIAL final, prep for PIAAs

OLSH’s girls volleyball team; Photo: Sam Buck

By Sam Buck

For the third time in school history, the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart girls volleyball team has advanced to Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships.

The Chargers earned the honor even though they lost the WPIAL championship match in three sets to Bishop Canevin High School. The scores were 25-19. 25-22 and 25-22.

“We went in really prepared,” said Katie Tarasovich. “We were just the underdog in that (game) and we had nothing to lose and that’s just how we played.”

During the first set, the Chargers and the Crusaders fought back and forth, each taking and losing the lead until the last few points when the Crusaders pulled ahead, winning the set 25-19.

During the second set, the Chargers took the early lead. by playing strategically and making the Crusaders work for every point. With the crowd yelling their excitement, it looked as if the Chargers would take the set. But the Crusaders came from behind, taking the set 25-22.

“It was well played by both sides,” explained OLSH head coach Mike McDonald. “I think it was a big momentum for them, obviously winning set number two when we had the big lead.”

The Chargers took the early lead in the third set, leading 4-0 and continuing to stay one step ahead of the Crusaders. With both sides not going down without a fight, the Crusaders eventually pulled ahead, winning the final set and claiming the WPIAL title.

Nevertheless, OLSH also earned a spot in the PIAA championship because it was one of the top three finishers.

“I think we need to be a little more confident and aggressive in what we do, and there were some periods that we weren’t as aggressive as I would’ve liked,” explained McDonald, while reflecting on the game.

(Click here to hear more from McDonald.)

“We just have to play harder,” said Tarasovich. “We know what it feels like to lose and it doesn’t feel good and we don’t want to do it again.”

The Chargers face Maplewood Junior-Senior High School on Nov. 7 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs. The game will be played at Meadville High School. Match time is 5:00 p.m.