“It’s unfortunate, but we want to take the positives from it. It’s a long year and a lot of new guys playing, so I think there’s some real positives with our team,” said P-T’s head coach, Jim Schall.
The P-T Warriors (2-1) took the lead to start the first set, but the Shaler Titans (1-1) quickly rebounded, winning the sets 27-25, 25-20 and 25-7. Learning and improving as the game developed, Shaler sprung ahead in the third set, leaping to a 12-0 lead this March 20.
“Their kids served a good spot, and we couldn’t handle their serve. Overall, after starting really well, I don’t think we responded very well after they started to do a little bit better,” Schall said.
Shaler moved down a classification this year to Section 2-2A. The senior-loaded Titans finished last season 20-1, clinching the Class 3A WPIAL and PIAA state titles.
“We graduated 13 seniors last year, so for everyone, this is their second varsity game ever. It was great to see them start to get a little experience and this definitely helps them to get their first win,” Shaler head coach Paul Stadelman said.
Stadelman explained that his team would take everything “day-by-day this year.”
“They understand it’s a process to gain experience and it’s step-by-step. Each day you’re trying to get 5 percent better, so they’ve embraced that, and that’s what they’re looking to do,” Stadelman said.
The Warriors also graduated a powerful senior class. Five seniors, including captains Drew Sherwin, Brad Heinbaugh and Keith Otto carried the team to a 14-4 record last season. P-T remains in Class 3A this year but moved up to Section 2.
This year, seniors Connor Evangeliste, Caiden McDonald, Gavan Langan, Nathaniel Rugh, Owen Gisi, along with juniors Nick Laskey and Billy Spena, have taken charge of the Warriors.
Evangeliste, who recorded eight kills, explained the improvement process going forward.
“Keeping serves in whenever they matter is the biggest part. And then there’s effort. Everybody needs to try as hard as they can. We’ll be fine,” Evangeliste said.
Both Shaler and P-T will play next in tournaments this Saturday. The Warriors next home game will be against Canon McMillan on March 26.
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