Further experience vital for Serra volleyball to contend

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Every year, the Serra Catholic volleyball team enters the new season with championship aspirations. 

The Eagles have been a fixture in the postseason, making back-to-back WPIAL semifinal trips in 2017 and 2018, and have been a force in their section, winning eight of the last 10 section titles.

This year, the expectations are no different for head coach Keith Trahan and the Eagles. 

Even after losing nine seniors to graduation upon the conclusion of last season, Trahan brings back a nice mix of experienced and inexperienced players.

“We have four varsity returners that played significant minutes last year,” Trahan said. “That’s a good starting point.”

The Eagles, who advanced to the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals a year ago, have a few veterans to lean on, including senior right side hitter Lydia Valentine. 

“She played that position a good bit last year for us, particularly during our playoff run,” Trahan said. “She’s been playing varsity for a while and is pretty experienced, so she should be a big part of our success.” 

Senior outside hitter Jenna Revak returns along with outside hitter Olivia Hussein and setter Emerson Trahan, a pair of sophomores who started as freshmen. 

Trahan said he also expects to depend on senior defensive specialist Bella Galiardi, junior middle blockers Sarah Glaneman and Dana Weber, sophomore defensive specialist Riley Kostandinu, sophomore outside hitter Caitlyn Cooley and freshman defensive specialist Cassidy Trahan.

“We have this core that has this experience, but then we have a lot of spots to fill,” Trahan said. “We have kids across the classes who are really competing hard to gain playing time. They’re all pushing each other pretty well.” 

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.