Preview: Class 4A Girls’ Volleyball Quarterfinals
The WPIAL girls’ volleyball playoffs will continue tonight with the quarterfinal round with all the top teams still in the field, including the defending champion Seneca Valley. Below are capsules of each quarterfinal matchup.
North Allegheny (17-0) vs. Peters Township (11-5) At North Hills (7:30 p.m.)
The No. 1 Tigers easily advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win at home against Connellsville in the first round. With the sweep, North Allegheny has still only lost four sets on the season. The Indians had to fight a little harder to get to the round of eight with a 3-1 win against Norwin at Baldwin. Two of the three set wins came in overtime as the sets were extending past 25 points. North Allegheny lost in the quarterfinal round last year, while Peters Township missed the playoffs entirely last season. The Tigers and Indians have not met this season.
Baldwin (13-2) vs. Hempfield (9-4) At Norwin (7:30 p.m.)
Baldwin is one of the top teams again and are looking to regain the WPIAL championship after losing in the title match last year. The section champion advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 home win against Plum. Hempfield is one of the hotter teams right now, making for a tough match for the Highlanders. The Spartans have won four straight, including a 3-0 win against Pine-Richland at Freeport High School. Like Baldwin, Hempfield also made it to the semifinals last year before losing to eventual champion, Seneca Valley. Baldwin and Hempfield did not meet in the regular season.
Armstrong (16-1) vs. Upper St. Clair (11-5) At Fox Chapel (7:30 p.m.)
Armstrong has won 11 straight matches with nine of those coming via the sweep, including its 3-0 win at home over Shaler in the first round. Armstrong comes into the game as the No. 2 seed and one of the favorites along with North Allegheny. Upper St, Clair defeated Penn-Trafford 3-1 in the first round at Oakland Catholic. The Panthers entered the playoffs as the third place team in their section. Upper St. Clair are looking for a better outcome than last year’s quarterfinal matchup where they got swept by Seneca Valley. Armstrong also lost in the quarterfinals last year, 3-1 to Hempfield. The two teams have not faced each other this year.
Oakland Catholic (13-3) vs. Seneca Valley (11-6) At North Allegheny (7:30 p.m.)
In terms of matchups, this is the one to watch in terms of how close it will be in the quarterfinals. Oakland Catholic is one of the top teams all season long but will have to run into the defending champion. Seneca Valley had a rough regular season and had their ups and downs due to injuries, but played their best game in the first round with a 3-0 sweep against Bethel Park at North Allegheny. Oakland Catholic was just as dominate in its first round matchup, defeating Butler 3-0 at home. It was a relief for Oakland Catholic winning its first round game after getting swept in the first round last year.
For a complete look at the bracket, click the link below.
Class 4A Girls’ Volleyball Playoff Bracket