‘We have a lot to be proud of,’ Philipsburg-Osceola volleyball coach says after PIAA semifinal loss
Just like any other sport, volleyball is a game of chance. You can have a great night and then you can have a tough night.
Philipsburg-Osceola, which entered its Tuesday matchup with North Catholic with a 20-0 on the year, found the night to be tougher than normal. The Lady Mounties dropped sets 3-2 with scores of 25-19, 31-29, 13-25, 23-25 and 12-15 against North Catholic to lose in the PIAA 2A volleyball semifinals.
Lady Mounties head coach Dave Eckberg still looks back fondly on the season and how close they came to their ultimate goal of an undefeated season.
“I think it’s always the hardest message as a coach to deliver and we did it immediately after the match last night to keep things in perspective,” Eckberg said Wednesday. “With all that they’ve accomplished and taking the program to levels that it’s never been before, there’s so much to be proud of. We didn’t want that one result — it’s a snapshot of everything that has been done, but it doesn’t paint the full picture or tell the whole story. We have a lot to be proud of.”
The Lady Mounties stat leaders were Kalista Butler, who had 58 assists, nine service points and two blocks, Reese Hazelton with 36 kills, 17 digs, nine service points and four aces, London Cutler had eight kills, 12 service points, two blocks and 13 digs, Janey Johnson added 15 digs, along with Bella Curtorillo’s 13 digs and Jayden Perks had 11 kills and two blocks.
Going forward, the program will return Hazelton and a host of other players. Hazelton has already chalked up 592 kills, 47 blocks, 340 digs and 58 aces as a sophomore. Eckberg believes that the sky is the limit for the 6-foot-2 outside hitter.
“We have what I consider and what other people consider as one of the best if not the best player in the state of Pennsylvania returning for two more years,” Eckberg said. “Reese — she can anchor the team, but we have a lot of good young talent that can help support the goals that I know Reese has for herself and the program. So, I don’t expect us to take any steps back next year. We’re not going to settle for that. Those kids are ready to move in to replace the roles of the seniors that are departing and I think we have a very solid foundation.”
