WEXFORD, Pa. – In a decisive semifinal at North Allegheny, the Avonworth Antelopes (18‑3) overcame No. 2 seeded Waynesburg Central (19‑1) to earn a spot in the WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball championship. The Antelopes won the best‑of‑five match 3‑1, propelled by a standout 21‑kill effort from junior outside hitter Julia Cernich.
Key performances
Cernich, a 6‑foot‑1 recruit headed to Rice University, opened the match with a flurry of attacks, delivering 10 kills in the first set and helping Avonworth jump to a 10‑3 lead. She continued to dominate, finishing with 21 kills, five blocks and a clutch kill that sealed the fourth set 25‑22.
Avonworth’s junior middle hitter Linnea Zmuda contributed two kills and a block early in the second set, establishing a 9‑6 advantage that grew into a 25‑13 set win. Freshman setter Ali Colasante served 12 straight points and recorded five aces, adding to the Antelopes’ offensive firepower.
Waynesburg’s fight
Waynesburg Central, coached by Dan Higinbotham, fought back in the third set, taking a 7‑6 lead and never looking back, ultimately winning the set 25‑16. Junior middle hitter Railey Bochna posted six kills and an ace, while Harper Grimes added blocks and kills for the Raiders.
Despite the third‑set win, Waynesburg could not sustain momentum. In the fourth set, Avonworth built an early lead and held on to close the match, securing the championship berth.
Coach and player reactions
“She’s incredible,” Coach Higinbotham said of Cernich. “Every time she touched the ball, she scored. We had a scheme, but it’s tough to stop her because she’s so good and her height helps.”
“Our goal has always been to defend our title,” Cernich added. “We entered as the underdog and we wanted this win badly.”
Both coaches praised their teams’ adjustments. Cernich noted that Waynesburg lost a setter and senior outside hitter Ani Cree to graduation, requiring Avonworth to adapt to a different lineup.
Looking ahead
Avonworth will face top‑seed Freeport, which defeated Seton LaSalle 3‑1 in the other semifinal, at Peters Township High School’s AHN Arena on Saturday. Waynesburg and Seton LaSalle are slated for a third‑place consolation match, with details to be announced.
All four semifinalists have qualified for the state tournament, setting the stage for a strong Pennsylvania representation at the upcoming state championships.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
