Tigers’ Historic Reign As State Champions Ends In WPIAL Semifinals
By Randy Gore
North Allegheny’s historic eight-year reign as PIAA champions came to an end on Wednesday night with a 3-0 defeat to Pine-Richland in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals at Mt. Lebanon High School. The fifth-seeded Rams claimed the sweep by set scores of 27-25, 25-17 and 25-20. The Tigers’ eight consecutive titles tied the PIAA record for most consecutive state championships in girls’ volleyball. Norwin also won eight in a row from 1976-1983.
Pine-Richland, which had lost eight in a row and 29 of its last 30 against North Allegheny, was appearing in the WPIAL semifinals for the first time since losing to the Tigers in the 2023 semifinal round. However, a spirited and well-balanced effort by the Rams helped them build a 16-8 lead in the opening set. When that lead evaporated and North Allegheny surged ahead, 22-19, it appeared the black and gold would seize control. The resilient Rams swung the pendulum back in their direction with a rally of their own and prevailed in a marathon first set, 27-25.
An array of Rams hitters, including Piper Vogel, who finished with a game-high 13 kills, allowed Pine-Richland to construct a 17-9 lead in set two, which proved insurmountable en route to a 25-17 win.
On the brink of elimination, the Tigers went toe-to-toe with the Rams in the third set and were tied 20-20 thanks in part to four kills from junior middle hitter Alicia Mokube. Despite NA’s valiant effort, Pine-Richland rattled off five consecutive points, including three kills and a block by Vogel, to prevail 25-20.
Along with Vogel, Ella Hernandez totaled nine kills. University of Pittsburgh commit, Isabelle Hoppe, tallied eight kills and 17 assists.
For North Allegheny, Penn State commit Molly Robertson belted out a team-best 12 kills. Mokube posted seven kills and sophomore Carena Schiller tallied six kills. Senior libero Reagan Riordan, a Grove City commit, paced the team in digs with 13, followed by junior Keira Duffy‘s nine digs. Senior setter and Duquesne University commit, Keely McMahon-Regan, dished out a game-high 22 assists and led the team with four blocks.
For a remarkable four years at North Allegheny, the senior class of Riordan, McMahon-Regan, Geneva Adams, Catie Cooper, Mia Giannoutsos and Dede Alualu were named the Wright Automotive Players of the Match.
The loss for North Allegheny ends its season at 13-3, while Pine-Richland improves to 14-5 and will face second-seeded Peters Township in the WPIAL championship on Saturday. Congratulations to head coach Russ Hoburg, the coaching staff and the entire team for another memorable season.
Girls Volleyball Summary vs. Pine-Richland, 10-29-25
| SCORE BY SETS | 1 | 2 | 3 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine-Richland | 27 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| North Allegheny | 25 | 17 | 20 | 0 |
