PIAA Girls’ Volleyball Preview
Class A Semifinal
Marian (20-2) vs. North Star (24-0)
When: Today, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Middletown High School, Middletown
Tickets: $6 per adult, $3 per student
About the Fillies
Head coach: John Fallabel (13th season)
How they got here: Defeated District 4 champion Towanda 3-0 in first round and District 1 champion Country Day School of Sacred Heart 3-0 in quarterfinals.
Starting rotation: Abby Pilla (sr., MH), Courtney McCall (sr., S), Danielle Spillman (sr., DS), Abigail Stankiewitch (sr., MH), Maureen Kloap (sr., OH), Jasmine Mooney (soph., OH), Gianna Agosti (soph., L)
Key facts: Marian is attempting to advance to the PIAA Class A final for the third straight year, last achieved by Clarion Area in 2010-12. The only other team to do it was Farrell in 2001-03. Marian beat Farrell for the 2003 championship. ... The Fillies have had balance in their attack as Stankiewitch has notched 28 kills, Kloap 24 and Mooney 23 in two PIAA Tournament matches. ... Kloap has been a backstop for the Marian defense with 34 digs, averaging 5.7 per set, in the PIAA Tournament. ... McCall has 70 assists in two state matches. ... The Fillies have won 19 in a row and 61-of-66 matches over the past three seasons.
About the Cougars
Head coach: Tony Crisafulli (20-plus seasons).
How they got here: Defeated District 6 runner-up Bishop Carroll 3-0 in first round and District 3 champion York Catholic 3-0 in quarterfinals.
Starting rotation: Courtney Schrock (sr., S), Olivia Zuchelli (sr., S), Jackie Stanko (jr., MH), Kayla Berkebile (sr., OH), Kayla Rice (sr., MH), Aubrey Moss (jr., OH)
Key facts: North Star is attempting to reach the PIAA Class A final for the first time since 2008, when the Cougars lost to now-defunct Reading Holy Name in four sets in the title match at Central York High School. ... Crisafulli has more than 400 career coaching victories. ... The Cougars have not lost a set this season. ... Stanko, a 6-foot middle hitter, has served 21 points and has 45 kills in two PIAA Tournament matches. Rice and Moss have combined for 26 kills. Zuchelli has 34 assists, while Schrock has 22. ... North Star has won 12 consecutive District 5 championships.
Directions to Middletown High School
GPS address: 1155 N. Union St., Middletown.
From Schuylkill County: Get on Interstate 81 south and travel to Harrisburg area. Exit left onto Route 322/Interstate 83 toward South Harrisburg/York. Exit left on Interstate 283 south and follow signs for the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Take Exit 1A to merge onto Route 283 east toward Lancaster. Turn right onto North Union Street exit and follow to Route 441 South. School will be on right.
Up next
Winner faces either District 10 champion Cochranton or District 7 champion Bishop Canevin for the PIAA Class A championship at 11 a.m. Saturday at Richland High School, Johnstown.
— Compiled by Chuck Curley