Last season’s 1A bracket delivered plenty of drama, with Greensburg Central Catholic ultimately reigning supreme. But after heavy graduation losses, transfers, and the departure of their coach, the defending champs are vulnerable. That leaves the door wide open for a new team to grab the hardware — and several hungry contenders are lining up.
1 – Frazier
The Commodores are back in a familiar position: the favorites. After falling in last year’s championship, Coach Mandy Hartman (now in her 28th season) returns a squad loaded with top-end talent. Maddie Salisbury (Cal U commit) and Addison Schultz (WV Wesleyan commit) are both All-State picks, and junior outside Allie Monack was an All-WPIAL selection as a sophomore. With that trio leading the way, Frazier looks built to finish what they started.
2 – Eden Christian
The Warriors made the best run in school history last year, pushing eventual champion GCC to five sets in the semifinals before unraveling late. Graduation took a toll, but there’s still plenty of firepower. Ava Arnold is a do-it-all star who can carry a match, while sophomore setter Erin Hull is a rising name to watch. Sophomore outside Emily Muir gained valuable experience as a freshman and should step into a bigger role. If Eden keeps building, a championship could be in the cards.
3 – Serra Catholic
Veteran coach Keith Trahan has a team that knows how to win in November. Serra lost its best player but brings back four starters and enough versatility to stay dangerous. Bethany Pasternak, Nicky Sfanos, and Sara Ridilla headline a group with championship pedigree. With experience from multiple deep playoff runs, Serra Catholic is well positioned to hang around in the 1A race.
4 – Union
The Scotties return every starter from last year’s team, which was bounced in the first round but gained critical experience. Olivia Benedict (OPP), Irelyn Fisher (MH), and Maggie Joseph (S) lead the way, supported by a deep group that includes Charlotte DeRaleau (OH), Hayden Strickler (L), Miera Gunn (MH), and Maddie Settle (OH). With everyone back, Union looks like a team ready to make a jump.
5 – St. Joseph
The Spartans return five starters from a section championship team that gave the school a historic postseason push. They’ll lean on setter Kate Giannetta to keep the offense humming, while libero Jillian Bloch and outside Kenzie Jones provide stability. Junior middle Miley Norris also steps into a bigger role after valuable court time last season. Losing their top hitters hurts, but this group’s experience means they won’t go quietly.
On the Fringe
Fort Cherry, Apollo-Ridge, Beth-Center, Carmichaels — all have pieces to compete. Fort Cherry has a strong defensive anchor in libero Julia Amsler, Carmichaels features a big-time scorer in Bailey Barnyak, and both could be bracket-busters come October.
How will it play out?
Frazier and Eden Christian feel like they’re on a collision course for the finals. Serra, Union, and St. Joseph have the depth to make it interesting, but it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the championship match. Expect a battle, but in the end, Frazier’s star power and experience should be too much. The Commodores bring the trophy home.
Players To Watch
Every contender has its stars, but these names could shape the 1A bracket in 2025:
Maddie Salisbury, OPP – Frazier (Cal U)
Addison Schultz, MH – Frazier (WV Wesleyan)
Allie Monack, OH – Frazier
Ava Arnold, OH – Eden Christian
Erin Hull, S – Eden Christian
Emily Muir, OH – Eden Christian
Bethany Pasternak, S/DS/OH – Serra Catholic
Nicky Sfanos, OH – Serra Catholic
Sara Ridilla, S/MH – Serra Catholic
Olivia Benedict, OPP – Union
Irelyn Fisher, MH – Union
Maggie Joseph, S – Union
Kate Giannetta, S – St. Joseph
Jillian Bloch, L – St. Joseph
Kenzie Jones, OH – St. Joseph
Miley Norris, MH – St. Joseph
Bailey Barnyak, OH – Carmichaels
Morgan Ross, OH – California
Keila Ugbodu, MH – Trinity Christian
Julia Amsler, L – Fort Cherry
Brooke Cornali, MH – Fort Cherry