BRYN MAWR--The season continues for the second-seeded Agnes Irwin Owls’ volleyball team. A 3-0 shutout of the third-seeded Baldwin Bears in Tuesday’s semifinals, earned Agnes Irwin its trip to the PAISAA championship game.
“They really played all together,” said Agnes Irwin head coach Sarah Lawrence. “They played unified. They talked to each other.”
Agnes Irwin (12-4) emerged victorious by scores of 25-23, 25-21 and 25-21. Baldwin concludes the year with a final record of 11-5.
“It’s the best we ever played,” said Baldwin captain Laura Pellicano. “We pushed ourselves all season.”
The victory did not happen easily. The Bears made the matches close, especially in the opening round when they held a 21-17 advantage prompting the Owls to take a time out.
AIS captain Lauren Karlson served seven consecutive service points in the first match of the afternoon and Agnes Irwin settled down from that point onward to seal the win.
Final seconds Baldwin vs. Agnes Irwin PAISAA semifinal game (video- Dan McCarty).
“We used a full new level,” said Caitlyn Yoh. “I don’t think I ever thought we could get this far.”
Karlson (20 aces), Danya Thomas (19 aces, two kills, 19 assists), captain Gianna Napolean (five kills, six blocks), Mara Zwilling (five kills, four digs) and Jenna Zwilling (20 digs) all paced Agnes Irwin.
“We really worked together,” said Karlson. “We really worked hard for every ball. That contributed to our victory today.”
Leading the way for the Bears were Taylor Trapp (16 digs, four aces), Tessa Pearlstein (six kills, two blocks), Anajah Brown (six kills, seven blocks), Pellicano (four aces, three kills) and captain Cartier Thomas (17 assists).
AIS captain Gianna Napoleon talks about the team win (video- Dan McCarty).
“It was a tough loss,” said Pellicano. “It was a good way to end our season. We hung in there as a team.”
The championship game is set for Thursday, November 1, at Baldwin School (4 PM). Agnes Irwin is ready to take on top-seeded Notre Dame Academy. After dropping a 3-2 decision to Notre Dame in the regular season, the Owls hope to make it a different outcome this time.
“We want to bring home the trophy for our seniors,” said Yoh.
Baldwin captain Cartier Thomas commends her team (video- Dan McCarty).