There's a sentiment going around the WPIAL that if you want to be the best in boys volleyball, then you have to beat the best.
Recent history proves that has been easier said than done.
For the past eight seasons, North Allegheny has hoisted the WPIAL Class AAA championship trophy. Ambridge has claimed three consecutive Class AA titles.
Both squads will have to overcome roster turnover and face stiff challenges from experienced, yet wary, teams.
Derry coach Shawn Spencer knows firsthand how difficult the challenge is in front of his team. The seasoned Trojans have finished as WPIAL runners-up to Ambridge the past three seasons.
“To me, until you beat the champ, they've got to be the favorite,” Spencer said. “They're the ones we're shooting for and trying to dethrone. It's not going to be an easy task.”
Seneca Valley, which returns five starters, swept North Allegheny in straight sets Tuesday, but Raiders coach Dan Follett expects the Tigers to be in the hunt come playoff time.
Besides, the Tigers have proven they can bounce back from a loss to the Raiders. After losing a 3-2 match last May, North Allegheny reeled off eight straight wins — including a WPIAL title — and competed for the PIAA title.
“If there's a standard in the WPIAL, it's North Allegheny,” Follett said.
Fox Chapel appears to be a threat to the Tigers' throne. The Foxes beat North Allegheny in straight sets Thursday and also claimed the title at the season-opening North Allegheny Invitational. Paced by Matt Herrmann and Andrew Tublin, Fox Chapel is the top team in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.
North Allegheny returns key seniors such as defensive specialists David Henderson and Ethan DeRuddo, as well as setter Jeremy Best and middle blocker Robert Stiefvater.
Offensive scorers have yet to establish themselves.
“We have to get some new guys involved in the offense,” Tigers coach Dan Schall said. “Guys that haven't had to play major offensive roles before are going to be called on.”
Other squads in the Class AAA hunt include Norwin and Bethel Park.
The Bridgers return two starters in senior libero Mitch Brewer and junior outside hitter Derek Kuhn. But coach Glenn Freed said his players are eager to carve out their niche after watching the previous classes establish their legacies.
“Four of the players that we graduated were all-state and all-WPIAL,” Freed said. “When you have all those all-state players, they get the recognition and the ones behind them didn't get the shot. Those guys are really ready.”
As was the case in seasons past, Derry appears ready to make a run. The Trojans return five starters, including second-team all-WPIAL players in middle blocker Ian Mallis and outside hitters Jake Zemba and Nico Matta.
Obama Academy, Beaver County Christian, Montour and OLSH also are expected to be in the mix.
“It's a whole new year,” Spencer said. “Whoever is in our way, we want to take care of.”
Ed Phillipps is a freelance writer.
