No classification has more parity than 2A. Last year’s champ, Quaker Valley, was gutted by graduation, leaving the door wide open for a deep field of contenders. Hopewell, South Park, Avonworth, Seton LaSalle, and Neshannock all bring enough talent to dream big — but only one will survive the gauntlet.
1 – Hopewell
The Vikings came up just short in last year’s WPIAL final, but they return a strong core that makes them an instant contender again. Outside hitter Brianna Indereist and setter Bella Ceccarelli both earned All-WPIAL honors last year, and their presence gives Hopewell both firepower and leadership. With plenty of experience surrounding them, the Vikings look primed for another deep postseason run — and maybe a shot to finish what they started in 2024.
2 – South Park
South Park bowed out in the quarterfinals last season, but this is a program trending upward. Junior outside Sydney Sekely, an All-State selection, gives them a go-to scorer who can swing momentum in a heartbeat. Libero Stephani Vamossy and juniors Kacey Ziegler (OPP) and Madely Lafferty (S) add depth and experience. If this group continues to grow together, they could be the most dangerous “hot at the right time” team in the bracket.
3 – Avonworth
The Antelopes lost in the quarterfinals to Hopewell but return a loaded lineup that makes them one of the most intriguing teams in 2A. Outside hitter Julia Cernich (Rice commit) and middle hitter Clementine Dutot-Lucs both earned All-WPIAL honors last year, while seniors Jada Taylor (S) and Izzy Schusterr (OH) bring leadership and experience. With veteran head coach John Skarupa steering the ship, Avonworth has the depth and top-end talent to make a serious run.
4 – Seton LaSalle
The Rebels were bounced in the first round last year but played their best volleyball late in the season and impressed in summer competition. Junior Gigi Lonergan, an All-WPIAL setter/right-side, is the versatile leader of this group, while seniors Amari Elliot (OH/OPP), Addie Lonergan (OH), and Mary Starkey (OH/DS) give the team firepower and stability. If Seton LaSalle keeps building on its chemistry, this is a sleeper that could spoil someone’s season.
5 – Neshannock
On paper, the Lancers might be the most talented team in the field. New head coach Belle Snyder inherits a group that pushed to the semifinals a year ago, falling in five sets. The wild card? Team chemistry. Off-court drama and rumored departures from senior contributors have created uncertainty. What’s not uncertain is the return of Rian Owens, an All-State selection who shines as both a setter and right-side. If she’s on the floor and Neshannock finds stability, they have the tools to win it all.
On the Fringe
Burrell, South Allegheny, Waynesburg, OLSH, Shenango, Quaker Valley — last year’s champs were gutted by graduation and will be fighting uphill just to stay in the mix.
How will it play out?
There’s no clear favorite in 2A — and that’s what makes it so exciting. The depth of talent means some very good teams won’t even make states. Forced to pick, South Park feels like the team most ready to catch fire at the right moment. Call it destiny: the Eagles ride the momentum and outlast Avonworth in an epic five-set final to claim the crown.
Players To Watch
Every season, a handful of players become the difference-makers in 2A. These names could define the playoff picture:
Skylar Gates, MH – Brownsville (Virginia)
Julia Cernich, OH – Avonworth (Rice)
Rian Owens, S/RS – Neshannock
Sydney Sekely, OH – South Park
Clementine Dutot-Lucs, MH – Avonworth
Brianna Indereist, OH – Hopewell
Ainsely Martin, L – Southmoreland
Regan McBeth, OH – South Allegheny
Leah Parker, OPP – OLSH
Bella Ceccarelli, S – Hopewell
Ani Cree, OH – Waynesburg
Gigi Lonergan, S/RS – Seton LaSalle
Delaney Plaskunak, S – Burrell
Railey Bochna, OH – Waynesburg
Anna McKinley, MH – Shenango
Rylee Monticue, S – Ligonier Valley