Pope John Paul II captured the 2022 PIAA 3A Girls’ Volleyball Championship in thrilling fashion on Nov. 19 on the campus of Cumberland Valley High School.
The Golden Panthers edged North Catholic, 3-2 (15-25, 25-12, 18-25, 25-16, 19-17) to seize its first state title in program history and conclude its memorable 2022 campaign with a perfect 27-0 record.
Trailing by a 9-6 margin in the intense fifth set, defending 2A champion North Catholic rallied to even the score at 13-13 apiece. The two teams then traded points which included three kills by Pope John Paul II junior Natalie Ricevuto. With the score tield at 17-17, PJP II served out a pair points before a jubilant on-court celebration in front of a strong gathering of supporters.
After dropping the first set, the Golden Panthers recorded the first ten points of the second set on strong serves by junior Gabriella Manza and never trailed en route to the 25-12 win. Trailing two sets to one, PJP II overcame an early 8-4 deficit behind strong play by Ricevuto and junior Hutton Cordrey at the net to lift the Golden Panthers to a 25-16 win in the pivotal fourth set.
Pope John Paul II earned its fourth consecutive PIAA District I title on Nov. 3 and their seventh Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC) crown in program annals on Oct. 21. They are the first AOP program to win the PIAA Girls’ Volleyball Championship since Bishop Shanahan in 2009.
Congratulations to head coach Ryan Sell and the student-athletes on a truly memorable 2022 season!
The Golden’ Panthers Road To The State Title
First Round
Pope John Paul II 3, Engineering & Science 0
Quarterfinals
Pope John Paul II 3, Twin Valley 2
Semifinals
Pope John Paul II 3, Bethlehem Catholic 0
Finals
Pope John Paul II 3, North Catholic 2
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