Berlin Brothersvalley continues its dominance in high school volleyball, clinching its second consecutive District 5-1A title.
Witness the thrilling highlights from Berlin Brothersvalley’s decisive District 5-1A volleyball championship triumph over Conemaugh Township.
(This story was updated to incorporate an engaging photo and an extensive photo gallery.)
WINDBER — In a show of teamwork and dedication prior to the season’s start, Berlin Brothersvalley players adorned coach Corey Will’s yard with the Ten Commandments of volleyball, guiding principles every Mountaineer must adhere to while playing under the experienced coach’s watch.
Over three decades of coaching, those commandments have clearly paid off. With his impressive 499th career victory secured, Coach Will has added yet another shining accolade to his storied career as Berlin achieved its seventh District 5-1A title in a straight-set victory, triumphing over Conemaugh Township with scores of 25-21, 25-15, and 25-19 on Wednesday at Windber High School.
“We’ve developed a culture now at Berlin, and there is an expectation, now,” said Will. “These girls come in knowing what’s demanded of them from the day this ends until the next season starts. They bought into that process. We have a system that we follow, now.”
Berlin, boasting an impressive record of 23-2 this season, only found itself trailing once in the opening set. A pivotal 5-0 run, featuring stunning kills from Lexi Foor, propelled the top-seeded Mountaineers to a 12-5 lead.
Despite a late surge from the second-seed Conemaugh Township, which included four consecutive points, Berlin’s sophomore standout Elena Ritchey delivered a powerful kill to clinch the first set, putting her team ahead 1-0 in the match.
The second set showcased Berlin’s dominance. After initially falling behind 2-0, the Mountaineers stormed back, scoring seven consecutive points to command a 7-2 lead. They further extended their advantage to 15-6, positioning themselves just one set away from securing another championship title.
The third set proved to be a fierce battle, featuring seven ties as both teams fought valiantly. After trailing 12-8, Berlin exploded, scoring 12 out of the next 13 points, successfully taking a 20-13 lead. The Mountaineers maintained their momentum, culminating in a championship-winning kill from newcomer Sam Walker.
Freshman Kaylee Shaffer shined for Berlin with an impressive ten kills. Meanwhile, Cayley Poorbaugh and Addy Glessner showcased their defensive skills with a combined total of 22 digs, while Lexi Fairman displayed her playmaking ability with 32 assists.
Among the seven returning starters from last year’s championship-winning squad, Fairman stands out as one of the team’s experienced leaders, guiding a young but promising roster that continues to improve.
“It shows the growth of our team,” said the junior setter. “Last year, we came into the season with a lot of freshmen. They handled the pressure really well, but you could see in the state playoffs that we were a young team. Coming out here and winning back-to-back championships shows the amazing growth of our passers and our hitters. They work hard every day in practice, including our JV team that brings it and gets us ready for games.”
Berlin now gears up to face the District 6 champion in the highly anticipated first round of the PIAA 1A playoffs next Tuesday.
On the other hand, Conemaugh Township finds itself as the runners-up for the second consecutive season. Freshman Sarah Swank proved to be a key player, leading her team with 11 kills and 12 digs in the championship match. Laikyn Reynolds contributed significantly with ten kills, while Madee Roman pitched in with five. Ava Byer and Mary Matera united to provide 21 assists, and Brianna Shetler stepped up on defense with nine digs.
Falling behind early is never a recipe for success against the Mountaineers.
“It’s a game of mistakes. When you’re in the championship game, you have to be on,” Conemaugh Township coach Laura Swank stated. “Their defense was great. They got the ball to their setter, and she moved the ball around great to their hitters. We were really just struggling defensively. When we came alive in the middle of the game, it’s just hard to come back.”
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
**Interview with Coach Corey Will of Berlin Brothersvalley Volleyball**
**Editor:** Congratulations on another impressive victory, Coach Will! Securing your 499th career win and the second consecutive District 5-1A title must feel incredible. How does it feel to see your team achieve this milestone?
**Coach Will:** Thank you! It truly is a fantastic feeling. This championship reflects the hard work these girls have put in, and I’m immensely proud of them. Achieving my 499th win is a personal milestone, but the focus has always been on the team and their success.
**Editor:** Your team showed great teamwork and skill throughout the match, especially in the third set. What was going through your mind during the fierce back-and-forth with Conemaugh Township?
**Coach Will:** It was definitely a tense moment! We knew Conemaugh wasn’t going to give up without a fight. I kept reminding the girls to trust the process and that we had prepared for situations like these. Once they started to focus and really play together, I was confident we could turn it around.
**Editor:** You mentioned the Ten Commandments of volleyball, which your players displayed on your lawn before the season. Could you elaborate on how these principles have shaped your team’s culture?
**Coach Will:** Absolutely! Those commandments are a framework for not just how we play, but also how we work together as teammates. They emphasize values like respect, hard work, and accountability. We’ve built a culture where expectations are clear, and the girls hold each other to those standards year-round. It helps create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
**Editor:** You have a strong group of returning players. How important is their experience to the team’s success?
**Coach Will:** Experience is invaluable in high-stakes situations like these. The seven returning starters bring a level of poise and understanding that younger players may lack. Leaders like Lexi Fairman play a crucial role in guiding the team through tough moments, helping to keep morale high and focusing the team on their goals.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you think will be key for your team to maintain this momentum as you head into the next phase of the competition?
**Coach Will:** Staying focused and continuing to execute our game plan will be vital. We’ll have to keep refining our skills and maintain healthy communication on and off the court. Additionally, we need to remember that every match is a new opportunity, and we must respect our opponents while striving to improve.
**Editor:** Coach Will, thank you so much for your time and insights. Best of luck as you pursue further successes this season!
**Coach Will:** Thank you! I appreciate the support. Go Mountaineers!
