North Star repeats District 5-A volleyball title

Discussion

November 4, 2012

North Star repeats District 5-A volleyball title

Mike Kovak mkovak@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sun Nov 04, 2012, 12:19 AM EDT

SOMERSET — Lauren Walker, North Star’s standout senior outside hitter, sprinted past the Cougars’ backline in a desperate attempt to keep a play alive.

When Walker realized her foot speed would not help her get to the volleyball, she dove and ended up crashing into a padded wall inside Somerset High School’s gymnasium.

Walker wasn’t able to maintain possession for North Star on the play during Saturday’s District 5 Class A championship match against top-seeded Chestnut Ridge, but it was hustle plays like those and aggressive play near the net that catapulted the Cougars to a second consecutive district title as North Star defeated Chestnut Ridge, 25-20, 21-25, 25-12 and 25-13.

“When you put that kind of effort, hustle and desire with talent, that’s what happens,” North Star coach Tony Crisafulli said. “They’ve played their hearts out all season long.”

Walker led North Star (19-0), which plays District 6 runner-up Bishop Carroll on Tuesday, with 15 kills and 10 service points. Her kills always seemed to come at just the right time for the second-seeded Cougars, who handed the Lions (18-10 their first loss.

Setters Krista Valentine and Kelli Putman both finished with 18 assists, while Abby Charlton had 18 service points and six kills.

Ellie Fleegle and Morgan Cannin were big parts of North Star’s strong play at the net. Both finished with nine kills apiece and had several blocks at the net.

“We had been working hard on our hitting and defense and the girls came through when they had to,” Crisafulli said. “The first game, they were a little hesitant and tentative but they became more aggressive after that.”

That aggression cause Chestnut Ridge, which dropped to Class A before the season and advanced to a district final for the first time since 1985, to back off at the net in the third and fourth games.

“We struggled hitting. Our hitting fell apart,” Lions coach Tammy Clingerman said. “We were either up late or not swinging right, and they blocked us several times.”

Samantha Knisely led Chestnut Ridge with eight kills and six blocks. Emily Finnegan also finished with six blocks.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat

Text Only | Photo Reprints

HS Sports North Star

Turning close matches into pins pays off with victory for Berlin
Berlin Brothersvalley turned close matches into falls, which made sure that the Mountaineers’ WestPAC victory over North Star was never in doubt.
Berlin (5-0) recorded seven falls – including four in what had been tight matches – in a 55-13 rout of North Star (4-2).

January 10, 2013 2 Photos
Top 10 sports stories of 2012 | No. 4 Rizzo, Roberts earn rare PIAA three-peat
The region’s scholastic wrestling scene possessed a pretty solid hand during the PIAA Class AA championships in March:
A pair of 3s.

December 28, 2012 2 Photos
Cougars, Panthers share similarities
Now, Northern Bedford coach Jeff Batzel has an idea how opposing teams feel when preparing a date with the Black Panthers.
North Star coach Stacy Schmitt also sees a lot of familiar tendencies and strengths when he looks at the video in advance of a District 5 Class A semifinal in Loysburg.

November 15, 2012
North Star shuts down Shade
In the first round of the PIAA District 5 Class A playoffs, the North Star Cougars hosted the Shade Panthers in a Week 6 rematch.
The game started off in North Star’s favor, and the Cougars won by the final score 21-0.

November 11, 2012
Bishop Carroll defeats North Star
Bishop Carroll’s Sarah Gomish was unhappy with her play in Saturday’s District 6 Class A title game loss to Penns Manor.
The junior middle hitter more than made up for that lapse on Tuesday, registering 26 kills and 16 service points as the Huskies defeated District 5 champion North Star in PIAA first-round action. Carroll won in straight sets 25-13, 25-17, 25-19.

November 7, 2012
North Star repeats District 5-A volleyball title
Lauren Walker, North Star’s standout senior outside hitter, sprinted past the Cougars’ backline in a desperate attempt to keep a play alive.
When Walker realized her foot speed would not help her get to the volleyball, she dove and ended up crashing into a padded wall inside Somerset High School’s gymnasium.

November 4, 2012
Conemaugh Twp. girls, Windber boys capture titles
The Conemaugh Township Indians won their third straight District 5-A girls soccer championship at Somerset Area High School in the first game of doubleheader with a 3-0 victory over North Star.
In the nightcap, Windber captured its first district crown with a 1-0 shootout win over Conemaugh Township in the 5-A boys title match.

November 4, 2012
Friday preview: Battle of unbeatens highlights slate
A battle of two 9-0, state-ranked teams highlights our weekly look at Friday-night matchups.

November 1, 2012
North Star's Shubik now with 76ers
Andy Shubik knows his basketball geography.
After all, Shubik successfully coached the North Star High School boys team for decades and followed his three sons as they continued their respective athletic careers in college.
But recently the former area hoops coach learned of a new route on the basketball circuit.

October 13, 2012
Miller leads North Star to win
The North Star Cougars hosted the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays on Friday night hoping to extend their winning streak to two games.
The Cougars had dropped their season opener against Portage two weeks ago and rebounded with a win against Ferndale last week.

September 15, 2012 1 Photo
More HS Sports North Star Headlines

HS Sports North Star

Search Results

Discussion

North Star repeats District 5-A volleyball title

Who do you think will win Friday's Class 1A Quarterfinals match-up: the Cougars or the Bears?

Contact Us