After taste of success, Norwin volleyball wants more

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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After reaching the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals last spring, the Norwin boys volleyball team has a taste of playoff success.

Now, the Knights are looking to push farther right on the bracket.

Five starters are back to help make that happen in senior libero Lucas Churchfield, senior outside hitter Jackson Genicola, senior setter Troy Horvath, senior right-side hitter Ben Tygielski and junior middle blocker Nick Puskaric.

Genicola led the team with 161 kills, while Churchfield had 139 digs, and Horvath added 289 assists.

“Our best skill is defense and not letting the ball hit the floor,” coach Mike Palaschak said. “We pride ourselves on that.”

Norwin was 12-5 last year, falling to Canon-McMillan in the quarters. The Knights were 7-3 in section.

“I like our resistance and experience,” Palaschak said. “We have five returning starters and will lean on them to push us to the next level.”

Norwin has been to the quarters before, but never to the semifinals.

“That is a big goal this year,” Palaschak said, “and make it to the championship.”

Some key newcomers to watch include junior outside hitter Nick Ames, senior middle blocker Jake Mumpower and junior libero Nate Wilson.

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

Tags: Norwin