Tigers Pounce On Panthers for PIAA First Round Win
By Randy Gore
The WPIAL champion North Allegheny boys’ volleyball team rolled to a PIAA first-round win over Central York, 3-0, on Tuesday night at UPMC Court. The Tigers prevailed by set scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 25-18.
Despite being from opposite ends of the state, North Allegheny and Central York have been frequent opponents and were facing off in the state playoffs for the sixth time in the last nine years. Last year, the Tigers clawed past the Panthers in a five-set thriller in the PIAA semifinals. In Tuesday night’s contest, no such drama was necessary.
In a well-balanced and consistent effort, North Allegheny controlled each set and trailed only once briefly in the early stages of set three. Senior Peter Bratich owned the middle of the net and punished the Panthers with a team-high 10 kills and three blocks. For his efforts, Bratich was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Match.
Senior Will Robertson helped NA storm out of the gates in set one with five kills, on his way to nine on the night. The big swings of senior Brendan Moore powered the Tigers in set two with four kills, and he also finished with nine for the evening. Southpaw Nathan May totaled six kills and three blocks, while sophomore Ethan Palmer delivered quality minutes off the bench with four kills.
Senior setter Elliot Swierczynski provided a great all-around effort with a team-high 23 assists, along with two aces and six digs. Senior libero Emmett Morris also had two aces and a team-high seven digs.
With the win, North Allegheny improves to 14-0 overall and advances to the PIAA quarterfinals on Saturday to face State College at a site and time to be determined. Central York’s season comes to a close with a 13-5 record.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL SUMMARY VS. CENTRAL YORK, 5-20-26
| SCORE BY SETS | 1 | 2 | 3 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central York | 17 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| North Allegheny | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
