Class 3A is officially in chaos mode. Beaver might be the most talented team in the classification — loaded with college commits and physical weapons all over the court — but Oakland Catholic continues to be the most complete team. The Eagles’ defense is unmatched, their chemistry undeniable, and they squeeze every ounce of production out of their lineup. It’s become the perfect contrast at the top: raw talent vs. total execution.
Below them, Section 2 is pure mayhem. Hampton and Mars sit tied at 7–1, while Freeport (6–2) is lurking right behind. The Yellowjackets play both teams this week, meaning the section crown — and playoff seeding — could swing wildly in just a few nights. Behind them, Greensburg Salem keeps winning, while Chartiers Valley and South Fayette look to rediscover their rhythm before the postseason hits.
1 – Oakland Catholic
The Eagles keep rolling, handling Freeport in four sets before sweeping Chartiers Valley and West Allegheny. Led by Josie Fontana, Oakland continues to prove that precision and discipline can outmatch pure power. Their defense is the best in the 3A, and their ability to control tempo makes them look built for a deep playoff run.
2 – Beaver
The Bobcats rattled off four more sweeps — Laurel, New Castle, Lincoln Park, and Central Valley — without breaking a sweat. They have the talent to overwhelm anyone, but consistency questions have started to pop up. Can they dig deeper before the postseason begins?
3 – Hampton
The Talbots are quietly playing some of their best volleyball of the season, adding sweeps over Valley and Knoch to remain tied for first in Section 2. Senior setter Lilly Muczinski continues to guide this young roster with poise, and Tuesday’s matchup with Freeport could define their regular season.
4 – Mars
The defending champs finally look like themselves again after a trio of sweeps over Avonworth, Highlands, and Valley. They’ve steadied the ship just in time for a critical week — a Thursday showdown with Freeport that could decide the section title.
5 – Greensburg Salem
The Golden Lions sneak into the Top 5 after dispatching Derry and West Mifflin. Their competition hasn’t been elite, but they keep winning — and consistency counts. Thursday’s trip to Indiana will tell us more about how ready they are for playoff competition.
Out of the Rankings
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Chartiers Valley – Dominated by Oakland Catholic and barely survived Moon in five. The Colts need to regain form fast.
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South Fayette – The Lions’ hot streak ended abruptly with back-to-back losses to West Allegheny and Trinity.
Games to Watch
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Monday, Oct. 13 – South Fayette at Beaver – The Lions face the ultimate measuring stick.
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Monday, Oct. 13 – Thomas Jefferson at North Allegheny
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Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Hampton at Freeport – A massive matchup for section title implications.
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Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Thomas Jefferson at Laurel Highlands
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Thursday, Oct. 16 – Greensburg Salem at Indiana
- Thursday, Oct. 16 – Freeport at Mars