In Class A, two teams have already created separation from the rest of the field. Eden and Frazier look a cut above, with both piling up sweeps and showing they can compete with larger schools. Behind them, a group of challengers — Fort Cherry, California, and St. Joseph — are jostling for position, while teams like West Greene, Carmichaels, and Serra Catholic remain in the conversation. The picture is clearer at the top, but the race for the rest of the playoff spots is wide open.
1 – Eden Christian
Eden dropped a five-set battle to Class 3A Moon, but responded with sweeps of Brentwood and Bishop Canevin. Against smaller-school competition, they’ve looked dominant, and their depth gives them an edge that most Class A programs can’t match.
2 – Frazier
The Commodores continue to handle their business, sweeping Southmoreland and Geibel this week. They’re keeping pace with Eden at the top, and Tuesday’s showdown with California will be their next big test.
3 – Fort Cherry
The Rangers are gaining momentum, sweeping Bishop Canevin and then gutting out a five-set road win at Serra Catholic. They get a major opportunity this week when Eden comes to town.
4 – California
The Trojans split their week, dropping a four-set match at Brownsville but bouncing back with sweeps over Greensburg Central Catholic and Geibel. They’re sitting in the top four for now, but face a huge section showdown at Frazier on Tuesday.
5 – St. Joseph
The Spartans remain in the Top 5 with a five-set win over Aquinas Academy and a sweep of Leechburg. They don’t have the résumé of the top two, but they’ve proven they can grind out tight matches.
On the Fringe
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Beth Center – Swept Mapletown and West Greene to stay in the mix.
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Carmichaels – Their brutal non-conference schedule could pay dividends later.
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Serra Catholic – Fell to Seton LaSalle in four, beat Trinity Christian, and lost a five-setter to Fort Cherry.
Games to Watch this Week
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Tuesday, Sept. 16 – California at Frazier: Huge Section 4 clash at the top.
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Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Serra Catholic at Eden Christian: A chance for Serra to play spoiler.
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Thursday, Sept. 18 – Carmichaels at West Greene: Fringe teams battling for positioning.
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Thursday, Sept. 18 – Eden Christian at Fort Cherry: Can the Rangers protect home court against the No. 1 team?