Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) will face the top‑seeded Lady Chargers in the Class 2A WPIAL girls volleyball final Saturday at Peters Township High School’s AHN Arena. The championship match, set for 11 a.m., follows a dramatic semifinal win over Fort Cherry that saw the Lady Commodores rally from a 2‑1 deficit to win 3‑2.
Season highlights and road to the final
OLSH entered the tournament as the third seed with a 17‑3 record. After a straight‑set victory over No. 14 Washington in the first round, the Commodores overcame sixth‑seed Beth‑Center 3‑1, dropping the opening set but rebounding strongly. The quarterfinals tested the team’s resilience, but they advanced, setting up Tuesday’s thrilling semifinal against second‑seed Fort Cherry.
Senior Allie Monack powered the win over Fort Cherry with 16 kills and 17 assists, while junior Morgan Fisher added 12 kills and 17 assists. The comeback victory marked OLSH’s fifth finals appearance and third in the past six years, improving the program’s overall finals record to 2‑2.
Coach Hartman credits her staff
“I’ve had teams in this situation before where they get out there, it’s a big scene and we forget everything we’ve been practicing,” said head coach Mandy Hartman after the semifinal win. “They executed tonight and I’m super proud of them.”
Hartman emphasized the experience of her squad, noting that many players have been in semifinal settings before, giving the team a strategic edge. “They do have a lot of experience and I thought that might have been a bit of an advantage for us tonight,” she said.
The coaching staff received particular praise. “This coaching staff, I have to give a lot of credit to them. They really are exceptional. We all did our homework and the girls executed and followed instructions,” Hartman said.
Key contributors behind the scenes
Hartman highlighted several individuals who support the program. Former Geibel Catholic star Shannon Watkins, who watches film and practices from Florida when possible, provides invaluable input. Hartman’s daughter, Gracen Hartman, a member of OLSH’s 2022 WPIAL champion team, volunteers alongside former standout Maddie Salisbury while balancing her season at Cal U.
Assistant coach Alex Muccioli prepares the junior varsity squad, ensuring younger players are ready for high‑pressure situations. Former Lady Gators coach Rick Watkins, a two‑time WPIAL champion, contributes his experience, and Hartman’s husband, Don “Donnie” Hartman, adds enthusiasm and athletic insight as an assistant coach.
Looking ahead to the championship
Having avenged a regular‑season loss to the Lady Chargers, OLSH will seek redemption after a 5‑0 sweep by the Chargers in their prior meeting on Sept. 3. The final promises a competitive showdown between two well‑coached, experienced squads.
“I am truly blessed,” Hartman reflected, underscoring the community spirit and dedication that have propelled the Lady Commodores to this pivotal moment.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
