JOHNSTOWN — The Johnstown Area all-star volleyball team defeated the Somerset Area all-stars in a five-set thriller Wednesday evening at Bishop McCort High School. Set scores were 21-25,25-22, 21-25, 25-21, 16-14.
Westmont Hilltop’s Rachel Roper led the Johnstown-area team with 17 kills and 6 blocks, United’s Maggie Slawson had 9 kills and 2 aces, and Jamie Cekada of Conemaugh Valley had 15 assists. Greater Johnstown’s Maggie McClintock added 14 assists, and Central Cambria’s Sam Elkin contributed 7 kills and 9 digs.
The Somerset-area team was led by Somerset Area High School’s Julie Barron, who had 15 kills and 9 digs. Emily Philip of Berlin had 13 assists, while North Star’s Krista Valentine added 11 assists. Sam Emert of Rockwood added 14 digs.
“The match this year was very competitive,” said Johnstown-Area coach, Westmont Hilltop’s Denise Nairn. “Both teams seemed to be very evenly matched. I was most impressed with my group’s ability to play positions they weren’t the most familiar with. They played well in the spot they were given. I think we played well together, as if they have all done it before. I think they all had a wonderful experience.”
North Star’s head coach Tony Crisafulli, leader of the Somerset area team, agreed with Nairn.
“All-star games are fun to coach,” said Crisafulli. “It was a close match. Johnstown had a nice team. I thought we had a nice team, too. There were a bunch of good swings, and strong defense. In a match like that, it all depends on which way the ball rolls on any given play.”
A large crowd in the McCort gym cheered for the intense match, with proceeds from admissions going to WKYE’s Twelve Wishes of Christmas.
Senior bowling
SOMERSET — The team of Ron Pugh, Jone Lehman and Pat Maust toppled 1,918 pins to place first in senior bowling on Friday at Terrace Lanes.
