No clear frontrunner has emerged in Class 4A, where every week seems to bring a new twist. Peters Township holds the edge for now after a strong road win, but Upper St. Clair, North Catholic, and North Allegheny are all right there. Canon-McMillan continues to prove they belong, while Pine-Richland slips out after a tough week. With Hempfield and Shaler lurking, this race is as balanced — and unpredictable — as it gets.
1 – Peters Township
The Indians showed their toughness this week, sweeping Bethel Park and then going on the road to defeat Canon-McMillan 3–1. That road win sets them apart for now, and they’ll get a massive test Tuesday when they travel to Upper St. Clair.
2 – Upper St. Clair
It was a mixed week for USC. The Panthers stumbled at home in a 3–1 loss to Beaver, but rebounded by sweeping Baldwin and Bethel Park. They remain firmly in the mix at the top, but consistency will be key with Peters and Canon-McMillan looming this week.
3 – North Catholic
The Trojans picked up a pair of big wins, edging North Hills in five sets on the road and then outlasting Pine-Richland 3–2 at home. They’re proving they can win the close ones, and those results have them climbing into the top three.
4 – North Allegheny
NA took care of business with a 3–1 road win at Pine-Richland before sweeping Seneca Valley at home. The Tigers are beginning to find their rhythm, and their pedigree makes them a threat to rise even higher if the momentum continues.
5 – Canon-McMillan
The Big Macs earned a strong sweep on the road at Mt. Lebanon but couldn’t defend home court in a 3–1 loss to Peters Township. With Upper St. Clair on the schedule this week, Canon-Mac will have another shot to shake up the order.
On the Fringe
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Pine-Richland (0-2 this week) – Losses to North Allegheny and North Catholic push the Rams out of the Top 5 for now.
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Hempfield – Still hanging around with the résumé to sneak in if others stumble.
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Shaler – Competitive group waiting for the right results to move upward.
Games to Watch this Week
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Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Peters Township at Upper St. Clair: Huge matchup between the current top two.
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Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Pine-Richland at Seneca Valley: Two teams needing a bounce-back win.
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Thursday, Sept. 18 – Canon-McMillan at Upper St. Clair: Another clash with Top 5 implications.
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Thursday, Sept. 18 – Hempfield at Plum: Fringe team Hempfield with a chance to make noise.