Norwin volleyball looks to take ‘baby’ steps forward coming off playoff season

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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“Don’t drop the baby” has become one of Norwin’s favorite games to play at volleyball practice.

The Lady Knights hope the multi-tasking game makes them sharper this season.

Basically, two extra volleyballs are put in play, with teams playing normally with a regular ball, while passing to each other two “baby” volleyballs.

The drill teaches communication and keeps the players on their toes while multiple things are happening.

The key is to not “drop the baby.” With just two key starters back, Norwin’s goal is to limit how many matches it drops.

The team will have size at the net.

Basketball stalwarts and seniors Lauren Palangio (6-foot-1) and Ava Kobus (6-0), both of whom can play each hitting position, will lead the team, which finished 4-4 in section play and lost to Bethel Park, 3-2, in the first round of the WPIAL 4A playoffs last year.

“The girls have been working really hard, are very supportive of one another,” coach Mary Ellen Ferraganio said. “And they are a lot of fun to be around.”

Ferragnonio is in her 20th season coaching at Norwin. This is her 17th as head coach.

Other key players include junior hitters Brandi Brozeski and Avery Brozeski, senior defensive specialist Natalee Bertani, senior setter Sydney Reiter, Meghan Potthoff (Sr., RH), Lauren Sevin (Sr., DS), Alaina Fonzi (Jr., DS), Isabella Deering (Jr., S), Ava Christopher (S/H), Jillian Pensenstadler (Sr., OH) and Addison Matovich (Jr., OH).

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin