Boys Volleyball 2016 PIAA Runner-Up

Derek Kuhn experienced the thrill of playing in a PIAA boys volleyball title match during his sophomore year at Ambridge High School. He also knew the agony of losing in the first round of the state playoffs in his junior year.

With that in mind, Kuhn and his Ambridge teammates entered the 2016 season with the goal of returning to the state finals.

Then came the Bridgers’ stunning loss to Beaver County Christian, a team it beat twice during the regular season, in the WPIAL Class AA title match. The loss left Ambridge fans wondering whether a return trip to the PIAA finals was possible.

“The loss to Beaver County Christian gave us extra motivation and extra drive,” said Kuhn, a senior outside hitter. “We knew our season wasn’t over. We didn’t want it to end that way. We just kept fighting with the goal of returning to the state finals.”

Kuhn and his teammates reached that goal with three hard-fought victories in the state playoffs, including a narrow 3-2 semifinal win against Saegertown.

That left Ambridge with the task of upsetting three-time defending PIAA Class AA champion Northeastern, a school the Bridgers faced in the 2013 and 2014 finals. However, the mountain was too high to climb, as Ambridge was swept by the Bobcats in Saturday’s title match at Penn State’s Rec Hall.

“Getting back here to the biggest stage in Pennsylvania volleyball is the best accomplishment I could ever imagine for this team,” said setter Capen Brendle, the Bridgers captain. “They’re a really good team. We knew that coming in, so we knew we had to play hard. And we did play well, so second place isn’t too bad.”

The title moved Northeastern into elite status, as one of five schools in PIAA history to win four or more consecutive titles. Haverford holds the PIAA record with six consecutive titles from 1966-71. Westinghouse (1936-39), Peabody (1949-52) and Landisville Hempfield (2001-04) won four consecutive titles. Northeastern is the newest member of the club.

Northeastern’s title was no surprise as the Bobcats’ lineup included five seniors who were voted to the PVCA Class AA all-star team last year: outside hitter Reese Devilbiss, libero Chris Lee, outside hitter Brandon Arentz, setter Matt Schaeffer and middle hitter Jeff Reynolds. Devilbiss, an Ohio State recruit, has been recognized three times (and soon to be fourth time).

“Northeastern has a great team and it showed on the court,” Ambridge coach Glenn Freed said. “They played great offense and blocked us well. Their passing and serve-receive were strong. Everything was on point for them.”

Northeastern was in control from the opening serve and never trailed in the match. The Bobcats built leads of 18-8 and 19-10 in the first set, but Ambridge battled back to cut the lead to 21-18. Despite the comeback, Northeastern held on for a 25-21 victory.

Devilbiss took charge in the second set, recording 10 of his match-high 21 kills to lead the Bobcats to a 25-17 win. Northeastern was even more dominant in the third set, posting a 25-15 victory to clinch the title.

The Bridgers were obviously disappointed with the loss, but enjoyed their day in the spotlight.

“It was awesome to be back at Rec Hall,” Kuhn said. “Words can’t describe the feeling. The atmosphere is amazing. It’s completely different than sitting in the stands and watching a Penn State match. It’s overwhelming when you step on the court and play in this gym. It’s a great way to end our careers at Ambridge.”

Freed loses eight players to graduation: Kuhn, Brendle, Anthony Baronio, Dru Stuebgen, Jonathan Munk, Che’ Abrego, Adam Fryer and Michael Spiridonakos.

“We are losing a full team,” Freed said. “Next year will be a rebuilding year. We are hoping our underclassmen can step up and take over where the seniors left off.”

Baronio, Brendle and Kuhn were recognized on the first team of the all-WPIAL Class AAA team. Fryer was a second-team selection. Junior John Olexsovich was voted to the third team.

The PVCA all-state team will be released later this month. Baronio and Brendle were recognized on the all-state team last year.

http://sportstown.post-gazette.com/ambridge/60296-boys-volleyball-loss-in-wpial-final-motivates-ambridge