Every week of the season brings a fresh set of surprises — upsets, hot streaks, and programs proving themselves against tough competition. To help make sense of it all, we’re introducing the Western PA Volleyball Power Rankings.
Unlike our traditional rankings, these rankings are generated using a custom formula that weighs wins, losses, strength of schedule, and tournament results — with elements of RPI and the Colley Matrix sprinkled in for balance. That means a small-school team making noise in September gets a fair look alongside the perennial powers in the bigger brackets.
And we’re not just spotlighting a handful of teams. Each week we’ll roll out the Top 50 teams in Western PA — giving readers a true, data-driven snapshot of how the entire region stacks up.
The goal isn’t just to spark debate (though we sure hope it will) — it’s to provide a transparent look at where teams really stand as the season unfolds. Expect updates each week as more results come in and the numbers get sharper.
Check out this week’s Top 50 below, including notes on the Top 10 teams who have separated themselves early in the season.
Top 10 Breakdown
1 – Beaver (AAA) – Power: 0.928
The Bobcats are rolling. They opened the year with a loss to Upper St. Clair in the Canon-McMillan Tournament final — but answered back in a big way, going on the road and taking down the Panthers 3–1. That statement win, plus a sweep at Peters Twp, shows Beaver has the firepower to stay on top, and is the clear team to beat in the entire WPIAL.
2 – Upper St. Clair (AAAA) – Power: 0.891
USC is making serious noise in 4A. Their schedule has been loaded, and they just knocked off Peters Township in a huge section showdown. Add in their early tournament title over Beaver, and USC’s résumé is among the strongest in the region.
3 – Oakland Catholic (AAA) – Power: 0.879
The Eagles have been steady and resilient. They’ve beaten quality teams like North Allegheny and Morgantown — plus a convincing section win over Chartiers Valley. Their balance and grit make them one of the toughest outs in AAA.
4 – Peters Township (AAAA) – Power: 0.865
Peters has been tested early and proven they belong in the top tier. Even with a setback against USC, they remain one of the most well-rounded teams in 4A and have the pieces to make a push.
5 – North Catholic (AAAA) – Power: 0.861
North Catholic continues to show why they’re one of the perennial contenders in the WPIAL. Under one of the best coaches in the area, the program just keeps getting sharper as the season unfolds. Their ceiling remains sky-high.
6 – North Allegheny (AAAA) – Power: 0.823
Another perennial powerhouse, NA has been battle-tested against elite competition and continues to improve week after week. With championship experience and a proven staff, the Tigers always seem to find their way into the conversation when it matters most.
7 – Chartiers Valley (AAA) – Power: 0.815
CV has been consistent and competitive. A tough section loss to Oakland Catholic showed where they still have room to grow, but their young talent keeps flashing potential that makes them dangerous every time they step on the floor.
8 – Canon-McMillan (AAAA) – Power: 0.808
The Big Macs are proving they’re no pushover in 4A. With plenty of athleticism and balance across the board, they’re a tough matchup for anybody and a legitimate dark horse contender as the year goes on.
9 – Waynesburg (AA) – Power: 0.796
One of the best stories so far: Waynesburg just made their biggest statement yet with a huge win over Brownsville, cementing themselves as a team to beat in 2A and a rare small-school program pushing into the overall Top 10.
10 – Hempfield (AAAA) – Power: 0.796
Hempfield has been steady and efficient, putting themselves in position to challenge the upper echelon of 4A. Their depth and balance make them a team no one wants to see on the schedule.
Top 50
1 – Beaver (AAA) – 0.928
2 – Upper St. Clair (AAAA) – 0.891
3 – Oakland Catholic (AAA) – 0.879
4 – Peters Township (AAAA) – 0.865
5 – North Catholic (AAAA) – 0.861
6 – North Allegheny (AAAA) – 0.823
7 – Chartiers Valley (AAA) – 0.815
8 – Canon-McMillan (AAAA) – 0.808
9 – Waynesburg (AA) – 0.796
10 – Hempfield (AAAA) – 0.796
11 – Penn Trafford (AAAA) – 0.781
12 – Pine-Richland (AAAA) – 0.780
13 – Mars (AAA) – 0.774
14 – Hopewell (AA) – 0.768
15 – Brownsville (AA) – 0.757
16 – Shaler Area (AAAA) – 0.746
17 – Greensburg Salem (AAA) – 0.742
18 – Eden Christian (A) – 0.741
19 – Beth Center (A) – 0.727
20 – Seneca Valley (AAAA) – 0.725
21 – Thomas Jefferson (AAA) – 0.708
22 – Belle Vernon (AAA) – 0.708
23 – Butler (AAAA) – 0.692
24 – Trinity (AAA) – 0.690
25 – Seton LaSalle (AA) – 0.688
26 – McGuffey (AA) – 0.679
27 – Ringgold (AAA) – 0.679
28 – Indiana (AAA) – 0.677
29 – OLSH (AA) – 0.675
30 – Chartiers Houston (AA) – 0.673
31 – Freeport (AAA) – 0.672
32 – Hampton (AAA) – 0.672
33 – Fort Cherry (A) – 0.652
34 – South Fayette (AAA) – 0.647
35 – Plum (AAAA) – 0.646
36 – South Park (AA) – 0.646
37 – Moon (AAA) – 0.640
38 – Frazier (A) – 0.639
39 – West Allegheny (AAA) – 0.637
40 – Laurel Highlands (AAA) – 0.637
41 – Montour (AAA) – 0.634
42 – Burrell (AA) – 0.630
43 – Kiski Area (AAAA) – 0.629
44 – Baldwin (AAAA) – 0.625
45 – Norwin (AAAA) – 0.622
46 – California (A) – 0.613
47 – Mohawk (AA) – 0.596
48 – Latrobe (AAAA) – 0.595
49 – South Allegheny (AA) – 0.595
50 – Brentwood (A) – 0.589