Berlin Brothersvalley rallied in the second set to defeat Bishop Carroll Catholic 18-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-20 on Saturday afternoon in a PIAA Class 1A Quarterfinal match at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.
The Mountaineers secured the victory after overcoming a set point in the second frame, using a 4-0 run capped by a Lexi Foor kill to level the match. Berlin Brothersvalley improved to 19-3 on the season, according to reporting by Yahoo Sports.
“Winning the second set was definitely the momentum shift we needed,” Berlin Brothersvalley coach Corey Will said. “You get this level, there’s definitely nerves, I think it takes a little time to settle in on both sides.”
Bishop Carroll established an early advantage in the opening set behind Olivia Gregg, who registered three of her 13 kills to build a 5-2 lead. Kaydyn Smith later extended the margin with three aces and a kill, making it 21-13 before the Huskies closed out the first set.
The Huskies finished their season at 16-6, bidding farewell to a senior class that captured the program’s first District 6 championship since 2018. Emily Olienyk contributed nine kills while playing through an injury that affected the team’s offensive rhythm.
“She’s been a leader through the whole season, and that definitely had an effect on our offense, and on our mindsets a little bit,” Bishop Carroll coach Katie Patrick said.
Berlin Brothersvalley shifted the momentum in the second set when Mackenzie Kimmel and Lia Fairman combined for three finishes during a 5-0 run that created a 10-6 lead. The Mountaineers’ defensive effort stymied the Bishop Carroll attack as the match progressed.
“They got pressure on us,” Patrick said. “I think they played incredible defense. They were getting digs, they were hustling down balls, they were diving and getting the ups.”
Elena Ritchey paced the offense in the third set with two of her 11 kills during a sequence that stretched the lead to 16-11. Calle Ritchey added finishes to close out the frame, and both sisters contributed key points in the fourth set to secure the victory.
“We talked about not running the ball straight through the middle, but running a little more, especially Elena (Ritchey) more to the C-Route, which is between the middle and the outside, to get her to move,” Will said.
Berlin Brothersvalley advances to face Eden Christian on Tuesday night at a site and time to be announced. The winner will advance to play either Dayspring Christian or West Shore Christian next Saturday in the PIAA final at St. Francis University.
“It’s very cyclical as far as talent and when you’re going to have your chances, and I never knew I’d have another chance to do it,” Will said. “I certainly feel blessed, and hopefully we can make the most of it.”
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