With a tough 4A schedule, the Lady Knights volleyball team fights for a playoff spot despite section struggles. The Lady Knights have a strong team and are aiming to finish in the top three of their section or make the final cut by being among the top 13 in the class to qualify for the playoffs after missing out last year.
“This team is closer than any other year to playoffs,” senior Paige Chitester said. “Our success is all due to our ability to work together as a team.”
The Lady Knights have a relatively new senior core as well as many strong underclassmen who show great potential. Seniors Anna Fraser, Riley Mulroy, Julia Choby, and Paige Chitester have led the way for the Knights, using their experience and skills to help the team compete. These seniors, along with the entire team, had been preparing all summer for a successful fall season.
“As seniors on the team, we have been here the longest,” Chitester said. “ We know what the coaches want from us, and what we have to do to win.”
Many underclassmen have taken even more of a leadership role than they did last year. Junior setter Gemma Moffatt and junior hitter Elizabeth Yarosik have been logging key minutes for the Knights for another year with a new team.
Norwin teams in the past have always had skilled competition in the Section, and this year is no different. Being in a tough Section, the girls have had to find ways to win, trying to get their team to the playoffs. Hempfield has been a point of issue for the Knights. The Spartans beat the Knights in both of their matchups. Though the Knights have beaten some other strong teams like Plum and Latrobe.
The Knights faced some struggles on the injury front with the loss of Choby to a knee injury. Despite the injury, Choby remains a part of the team, cheering on her fellow teammates. The Lady Knights have been resilient all season long, even after tough losses, coming back to get a win the next game. Part of that resilience is due to the team having strong bonds with each other. The team doesn’t have any issue working together, and their cohesion has paid off in the form of success on the court.
The girls are still in the hunt for the playoffs after a dominant win on Oct 7 over Connellsville. That night was also senior night, where the seniors who had been giving their all for the team for four years were recognized for their efforts and achievements. Using their motivation from it being their last season, the seniors and the whole team are ready to make a push for the playoffs in the final part of the season.
“While we take every game seriously, part of our success is the ability to have fun,” Chitester said. “Having fun makes each game less stressful, and makes us play better.”
