North Allegheny volleyball sets sights on championship 3-peat

By: Josh Rizzo
Thursday, September 5, 2019 | 5:43 PM

Heidi Miller isn’t looking three or four months down the road. Still, the North Allegheny girls volleyball coach had no choice but to mention what the program is looking to try to accomplish.

The Tigers’ program has set the standard too high over the past two seasons, winning back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships, to have any other goals.

“The girls and I talked about a three-peat, but we have to take things one match at a time,” Miller said. “We’re experienced in that we know how to win. Each year is a new year.”

When North Allegheny opened the season against Shaler last Wednesday, the Tigers’ picked up where they left off with a 3-0 win. North Allegheny has now won 48 straight matches dating back to the 2017 season.

Senior Abby Miller, a senior setter, enjoys the challenge of carrying on the tradition.

“I think it’s an every day battle,” said Abby Miller, who was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Girls Volleyball Player of the Year last season. “Every practice, we try to put pressure on ourselves. If we play a team that’s not as skilled, we try to work on our side to keep things polished.”

North Allegheny won’t be lacking in talent this season. Paige Miller, a junior outside hitter, committed to William & Mary in the offseason.

In the season opener, senior libero Malia Duffy led the team with 10 digs. Junior Paige Morningstar had seven kills and 36 assists.

“It’s a great group of girls,” Heidi Miller said. “They are all competitive. They work hard in practice and they push each other. They hold each other to a high standard. They play year round and have a high volleyball IQ.”

North Allegheny doesn’t have the depth this season it has had in the past two seasons. Heidi Miller said having 14 players on the roster will make some aspects easier.

“We have a tough section and not a lot of gimee matches where we can experiment too much,” Heidi Miller said. “In the past, with a larger roster, it was a bit of a challenge for me to get all the kids on the team some time. All the girls are going to get some opportunities along the way.”

Getting those chances will lead to a more balanced team.

Abby Miller believes North Allegheny still needs to develop some punch in its offense.

“We can improve on everything,” Abby Miller said. “Our serve-receive can be off and on. We need some big firepower on offense. Two years ago, we had Kayla Dinkins. We need people who can take a rip in those tough moments.”

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