PHILADELPHIA- With the Philadelphia Catholic League volleyball playoffs starting this week many teams find themselves in familiar territory.

But, perhaps none more than Cardinal O’Hara. 

O’Hara head coach Bill Collins has been at the helm of this squad for the last nine years.

The Lady Lions have made it to the PCL semifinals every year under his leadership.

Their last trip to the PCL final round was in 2012 against Lansdale Catholic.

Their last PCL Title garnered in 2009 with their win against Archbishop Carroll.

Collin's resume includes leading O'Hara to claim the PIAA District 12 AAA title for the past 6 consecutive years.

This year, the PCL standings are quite impressive. Second seed O'Hara is going into the quarterfinals with an 11-1 league record losing only to powerhouse Archbishop Carroll. Carroll completed the season with a remarkable untarnished 18-0 overall record, going 12-0 in the league.

For coach Collins, his philosophy for his team regardless of standings remains the same.

“Attention to detail. Play every point like it is championship point and remain in championship form. We constantly remind the girls the most important contact of their careers is the next one – it is the only thing that matters. We can’t worry about the next point, the next set, or the next match. The only thing we need to concern ourselves with is the next contact. That philosophy has proven to be pretty successful for us over the years,” said Collins.

Those points of contact no doubt come from his players, who rely on adaptability on and off the court.

“We have a lot of experience and versatility. The core group of players have started for 3 or 4 years. Even our juniors and sophomores have started since they were freshmen so there isn’t much they haven’t seen. They are athletic and have been in almost every situation you can imagine at this level so they will be no surprises. They all play multiple positions depending on who is in the front row so we always have a ton of options. We don’t rely on one person to lead us – this is a true team effort in every sense of the word,” said Collins.

Securing that second seed spot came with back to back wins against Bishop McDevitt and last year’s PCL title holders Archbishop Wood.

Bishop McDevitt (3-9, league) knew what they were up against when they stepped onto the court against O’Hara last week, but that did stop the Lancers’ competitive spirit.

“The girls enjoy playing because as long as they are playing to the best of their ability there is not much more that they can do.  I ask them to give 100 percent every point of every name no matter who the competition is.  I don’t want them to give 150 percent because that does not exist.  They know that other teams are better that they are but they are not discouraged by that,” said McDevitt head coach Jim Harrigan.

“Our focus for this year has been to play our best every game.  We needed to finish ahead of Neumann-Goretti, Conwell – Egan and West Catholic Prep to advance to Districts and we did.  The exciting thing about Districts is that we get to play schools the same size as us which should make for a very competitive match,” said Harrigan.

Each team has played all season in preparation leading up to this moment. Each player hitting the hardwood with determination, record breaking skills and a winning attitude.  More so, each of these athletes has emphasized the exemplary behavior of teamwork which defines success regardless of that final score.

“We want our team to give maximum effort, play for each other and never, ever utter the phrase “what if” – play with no regrets. If they do those things, which don’t take talent, just attitude and effort, good things will happen. They are an extremely talented bunch. But that talent alone isn’t enough. We need to combine that talent with a relentless pursuit of excellence and a fear of letting our teammates down. If we play for each other and as the old cliché goes, leave it all on the floor, we are very hard to beat. That is all I and any coach could ever ask of a team. Not winning or losing but effort, attitude and the understanding that we play for each other not ever for ourselves is the formula for success,” said Collins.

Playoffs begin Tuesday.