Facing the state’s No. 1 ranked team in Spring-Ford in last Saturday’s PIAA state quarterfinal at Central Bucks South High School, the Emmaus girls volleyball team, as they have all season long, battled to the very end against a squad who entered play with a perfect 28-0 mark.
Ultimately, though, the challenge and superior talent of the Rams proved to be a little too much for the Hornets as they saw an incredible and memorable season come to an end in a 3-0 straight set loss (25-19, 25-21, 25-23).
“We knew to get through Spring-Ford we would have to come physically and mentally prepared, be mentally tough and have the heart of Hornet and did we ever!” said a proud Emmaus coach Jess Olang. “Our girls were really something to watch on Saturday. Although we didn’t come out on top, they never stopped fighting. That says a lot, especially with a team that has eight seniors.”
Emmaus, which was appearing in the state tournament for the first time since 2019, was swept for only the second time this season in straight sets. Their only other sweep came back in the opener back on September 8 in a 3-0 loss to Bethlehem Catholic, who also had their season ended after being swept by Pope John Paul II.
With the victory, Spring-Ford advances to the semifinals on Tuesday to face Bishop Shanahan, who eliminated Hempfield in four sets (3-1). The Rams, the Pioneer Athletic Conference and District One champs, are looking to get back to the state finals for the second consecutive season after last year’s surprise run which saw them finish runner-up to North Allegheny.
For Emmaus, their highly successful season ends with a 21-5 overall record. The Hornets won their first-ever league championship, finished District XI runner-up and won the program’s first state playoff game.
“Every one of our girls, especially our senior leaders, held together until the final point,” said Olang. “You did not see an ounce of wavering or emotion from our team until that final ball hit the ground.
“That kind of strength and perseverance shows the character of these young women. The ability to fight through adversity is a skill that will take them far in life, not just on the volleyball court.”
Emmaus, which was coming off a four-hour, round trip 3-0 sweep over District champ Delaware Valley earlier in the week, hung with the Rams in all three sets with the margin of defeat being no more than six points in any one game.
Sophomore Elle Sossong had 19 kills, seven digs and two aces to lead the Rams, while teammate Lila Olsen also had a big game at the net with 19 kills. Senior setter Marley Angelucci dished out 36 assists and have seven digs to go along with three aces. She also reached a personal milestone with her 2,000th career assist.
The result also marked the end to the high school careers of Emmaus’ eight seniors — Alyssa Heffner, Haley Seidel, Corrine Slivka, Sophia Freemont, Maleya Hinds, Kylie Heffner, Claudia Walls and Amanda Rivera.
“What a season,” said Olang in closing. “Everyone had high expectations for us this year, but we stayed focused on playing for each other and for the love of the game.
“While expectations were high, we battled with a lot of adversity, losing our senior starting middle hitter (Maleya Hinds) even before the season began and then losing our starting middle (Andraya Flowers) late in the season. Our continued success only goes to show what we can be accomplished when you hold together and never quit.”
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Spring-Ford 3, Emmaus 0
SF – 25-25-25
Em – 19-21-23