ASTON, PA – An entire season of the Philadelphia Catholic League girl's volleyball concluded at Neumann University on Sunday afternoon.
As the top seeded teams coming into the PCL playoffs, No. 1 Archbishop Carroll and No. 2 Cardinal O’Hara, each played two talented teams to earn their spots to compete for the Championship Title.
Carroll defeated Archbishop Ryan 3-0 in the quarterfinals before conquering Lansdale Catholic by the same score in the semifinals.
The Lady Lions worked their way to the finals by defeating St. Hubert’s in three sets in the first round, then by eliminating last year's title holder, Archbishop Wood, in the semifinals 3-0.
In yesterday’s title game, an undefeated Carroll took home the 2016 PCL plaque after an intense 5 sets against Cardinal O'Hara. It was clear from the start that neither team was ready to give up the match. Both Carroll and O'Hara remained neck and neck throughout each set.
PCL Semi Highlight video and interviews: Carroll vs. Lansdale Catholic by Steve Bonetz
PCL Semi Highlight video and interviews: O'Hara vs. Archbishop Wood by Steve Bonetz
O'Hara took the lead after winning the first set 25-22 and the game only got more interesting from there.
The packed bleachers were filled with excited fans, but everyone attending meant business. During each serve, a pin drop could be heard. This was a stark contrast to the constant cheering and clapping usually heard at a regular season game.
O'Hara widened the gap on the scoreboard during the second set, but Carroll managed to come back from the 24-21 score to win this set 26-24.
Following the game O'Hara's head coach Bill Collins said that both he and his team will relive this set.
"With three set points, we never know if that would've changed the outcome of this or not," said Collins.
Carroll's head coach Brian Mccann reflects on the PCL final match
O'Hara's head coach Bill Collins talks about how proud he is of his team
O'Hara came back to win the third set 25-19, but were quickly met by Carroll winning the fourth set 25-20.
After about two hours of intense play, Carroll came out on top during the fifth set with a 15-8 win.
Senior Hannah Wright was a huge contributor to Carroll's win. Wright has committed to Lehigh University for volleyball.
"We poured every ounce of our hearts and energy into winning, especially with three starting seniors on the court," said Wright.
She added that coming into the game and dealing with the pressure of an undefeated season put a chip on the team’s shoulder.
"We wanted it not only for our team, but for our school community as well. We know we need to keep working hard in the gym because we have a target on our backs going into states and we need to be prepared."
Final seconds of the 2016 PCL Girls Volleyball Championship
Collins was very proud of his team and the way they battled throughout the season regardless of the outcome.
"We started the season slow, losing 2 of our first 5 games, one of those to Carroll. We won 17 in a row after that. Coincidentally, Carroll was the last team to beat us," said Collins.
Carroll came into the championship game having a 20-0 season record. Patriots head coach Brian Mccann said their unblemished record built upon the pressure for Sunday's match and ultimately walking away as champions was a huge relief.
“…that was an intense match. The girls just never gave up," said Mccann.
