More experienced Penn Hills volleyball team eyes improvement

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 1, 2017 | 12:36 AM

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The Penn Hills girls volleyball team was a young and inexperienced team last season and managed only one victory.

Now more experienced, the Indians look to have a stronger season as all key contributors return.

After losing their first 15 last season, the Indians defeated Woodland Hills, 3-1, in their final match.

Penn Hills will be paced by senior outside hitter Becca Miller, who led the Indians in kills last season. Miller has been playing volleyball since the eighth grade and also plays on the Westmoreland Elite Volleyball Club.

“Becca is very dedicated to the sport. She was in the middle, but we are moving her to the outside to get her some more swings. She's a hard worker and very good all-around player,” coach Jay Mitlo said.

Miller will be accompanied by sophomore setters Vanessa Persichetti and Colleen Hoolahan, who led the Indians in assists last season.

Mitlo will look for contributions from defensive specialist Mia Walker, outside hitter Natalie Verrico and right-side hitter Lindsey Depew, all seniors. The trio will serve as captains.

“We were young last year, as well. We only had three seniors but were injured for the bulk of the season. A lot of players got experience last year,” Mitlo said.

“There were times where it was a little too big for them. There were a couple games where they were closer than they thought. I don't expect that to be the case this year.”

The win over Woodland Hills has been looked as a jumping off point for the Indians.

“I think it gave all of us confidence that we needed to prove to ourselves that we are a winning team, and we can accomplish what we want to when we put our minds to it,” Miller said.

“I expect a more positive attitude, and I think everyone is ready to leave it all on the court this year.”

Mitlo and the Indians understand that in order to win this season, it will take a team effort. This has been the main message going into the season.

“Our motto for this year is to selflessly compete. We are going compete no matter what, but we are going to be selfless instead of selfish,” Mitlo said.

“It's to work hard for one another, to recognize each other's limitations. But if we are playing the No. 1-ranked team and we are losing by 15, we are going to bite and scratch. We aren't going to fold and lay down for anybody.”

The Indians started their season at the Franklin Regional tournament over the weekend and at Gateway for a nonsection match before their home opener against Fox Chapel in a Section 4-AAAA match, set for Thursday.

“We are more ready to compete this year than last year. We are hungrier and a little bit more ready to go,” Mitlo said.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Penn Hills