Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the final game of the 2024 PIAA Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championships on Nov. 16; but, was defeated 3-1 by the Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers.
The Lady Planets beat the Beaver Area Bobcats 3-0 in the PIAA Semifinals on Nov. 12; trounced the Hampton Talbots 3-2 in the PIAA Quarterfinals on Nov. 9; and tamed the Central Mountain Wildcats 3-0 in the first round of the PIAA Playoffs on Nov. 5. The team advanced to the state championships after winning the 2024 WPIAL Class 3A Title, with a 3-2 win over the Beaver Area Bobcats 3-2 on Nov. 2.
The team swatted the Freeport Area Yellowjackets 3-2 in the WPIAL Semifinals on Oct. 30; defeated the Indiana Area Indians 3-0 in the quarterfinals on Oct. 26; and conquered the Albert Gallatin Colonials 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs on Oct. 23. The Planets ended the 2024 regular season with an overall record of 14-4 and went undefeated 10-0 in section play, earning the Section 2-3A title.
Players on this year’s team included junior Cecilia Christy (middle hitter), who was named to the All-WPIAL Class 3A First Team; senior Ella Nicotra (outside hitter) and junior Rylee Wooldridge (outside hitter) to the Second Team; and senior Lily Javor (outside hitter) to the Third Team. All four were also selected for All-Section 2-3A
Rounding out the team are seniors McKenna Daschbach, Hailey Duker and Lily Javor; juniors Mara Balazentis, Eden Brennen, Bella Childress, Alaina Graham and Lexi Schlegel; sophomores Katherine Ashbaugh, Sabrina Ruiz-Gonzalez and Kate Southwell; and, freshmen Natalie Janusz and Gabi Weidemann.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Girls Volleyball Team Win 2024 WPIAL Title
The team swatted the Freeport Area Yellowjackets 3-2 in the WPIAL Semifinals on Oct. 30; defeated the Indiana Area Indians 3-0 in the quarterfinals on Oct. 26; and conquered the Albert Gallatin Colonials 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs on Oct. 23. The Planets ended the 2024 regular season with an overall record of 14-4 and went undefeated 10-0 in section play, earning the Section 2-3A title.
For more information, visit https://wpial.org/.
2024 Girls Varsity Volleyball MAC Tournament
In Pool Play, the Lady Planets went 3-0, defeating the Hopewell Vikings, Quaker Valley Quakers and the Moon Area Tigers. The team then tamed the Moon Area Tigers in the quarterfinals; conquered the Montour Spartans in the semifinals; and bested the Beaver Area Bobcats 25-21 in the final game.
Junior Cecilia Christy was named to the All-Tournament Team for the second consecutive year. Other team members include seniors McKenna Daschbach, Hailey Duker, Lily Javor and Ella Nicotra; juniors Mara Balazentis, Eden Brennen, Bella Childress, Alaina Graham, Lexi Schlegel and Rylee Wooldridge; sophomores Katherine Ashbaugh, Sabrina Ruiz-Gonzalez and Kate Southwell; and, freshman Natalie Janusz and Gabi Weidemann.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
Volleyball Team Looking to Experienced Players
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team is looking to its experienced players to step up to the net this season.
In 2023, the Lady Planets advanced to the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship. The team ended the 2023 regular season with an overall record of 9-9 and 8-4 in Section 4-3A play.
“Our players gained experience last season and are motivated to compete this season with some of the best teams in the area,” says Tami Caraway, head coach. “We’re excited to play toge-ther as a team and improve each time we step on the court.”
Returning players on this year’s team include senior Ella Nicotra and junior Cecelia Christy, who were named to the 2023 All-WPIAL Second Team and All-Section 4-3A First Team, as well as senior Lily Javor, who was named to the All-Section Second Team and senior Hailey Duker, to the All-Section Third Team.
Other players to watch include senior McKenna Daschbach; juniors Alaina Graham and Rylee Wooldridge, sophomore Kate Southwell, and freshman Gabi Weidemann. Rounding out the team are juniors Mara Balazentis, Eden Brennen, Bella Childress, Cecilia Christy and Lexi Schlegel; sophomores Katherine Ashbaugh and Sabrina Ruiz-Gonzalez; and, freshman Natalie Janusz.
2023-2024
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship on June 11; but were defeated 3-1 by the Meadville Bulldogs.
The Fightin’ Planets shut out the West Shamokin Wolves in the PIAA Quarterfinals on June 8; and pommeled the Saegertown Panthers 3-0 in the first round of PIAA play on June 4. The team advanced to the state playoffs after grounding the Armstrong River Hawks 3-0 in the final game of the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship and earning the WPIAL Title on May 24.
The team defeated the Ambridge Bridgers 3-2 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 21; and thrashed the Gateway Gators 3-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 16. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-3 and 9-1, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included graduate Ryan Ceh (Class of 2024) and incoming seniors Derek Piatek and Kyler Robinson, all of whom were selected for the Section 2-2A All-Section Team.
Rounding out the team are 2024 graduates Colton Riska, Tyler Raabe, Liam Quinn, Amir Ali, Kaden Gratton, Owen Javor and Ayden Starcher; and, incoming senior Cory Killian.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Players Named to All-Section Team
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball were named among the top players in the region.
Senior Ryan Ceh (middle hitter) was named to the Section 2-2A All-Section team for a third time. Junior Derek Piatek (outside hitter) and junior Kyler Robinson were also selected for the team.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
Boys Team Wins WPIAL Championship
The team will advance to the first round of the 2024 PIAA Class 2A Boys Volleyball Championships on Tuesday, June 4. The time and location of the games has yet to be determined.
Girls Team Ends Season in WPIAL Playoffs
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the first round of the 2023 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship on Oct. 25, but was defeated 3-2 by the South Fayette Lions.
The Lady Planets ended the 2023 regular season with an overall record of 9-9 and 8-4 in Section 4-3A play.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Emma Balazentis, Emily Long, Emma McCosby, Taylor Schmitt and Lillyanna Staines; juniors McKenna Daschbach, Hailey Duker, Lily Javor and Ella Nicotra; and, sophomores Mara Balazentis, Eden Brennen, Cecilia Christy, Alaina Graham and Rylee Wooldridge.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
2022-2023
Boys Volleyball Players Names to 2023 Class 2A All-WPIAL Team
Four members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team were named among the top players in the region.
Junior Ryan Ceh (Middle Hitter) was named to the 2023 Class 2A All-WPIAL First Team; sophomore Derek Piatek (Outside Hitter) and sophomore Kyler Robinson (Setter) to the Second Team; and junior Colton Riska (Libero) to the Third Team.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the first round of the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship on June 6, but were defeated 3-2 by the West Shamokin Wolves.
The Fightin’ Planets advanced to the state playoffs after taking third place in the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship with the team’s 3-2 win over the Greater Latrobe Wildcats in the Third Place Consolation Game on May 25. The team lost to the Ambridge Bridgers 3-0 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 23.
The team thwarted the Montour Spartans 3-2 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 18. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-3 and 9-1 in section and tying with Greater Latrobe Wildcats for the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included junior Ryan Ceh and sophomores Derek Piatek and Kyler Robinson, who were named to the 2023 Section 2-2A All-Stars First Team; senior Connor Tomcik and juniors Tyler Raabe and Colton Riska to the Second Team; and junior Liam Quinn to the Third Team.
Rounding out the team are junior Amir Ali, Mason Coone, Kayden Gratton, Owen Javor and Ayden Starcher; and sophomores Chase Allard and Cory Killian.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
2023 Section 2-2A Boys Varsity Volleyball All-Stars First Team
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team were named among the top players in the region.
Junior Ryan Ceh (Middle Hitter), sophomore Derek Piatek (Outside Hitter) and sophomore Kyler Robinson (Setter) were named to the 2023 Section 2-2A All-Stars First Team; senior Connor Tomcik (Middle Hitter), junior Tyler Raabe (Outside Hitter) and junior Colton Riska (Libero) to the Second Team; and, junior Liam Quinn (Right-side Hitter) to the Third Team.
For more information, contact the Athletics Office at (724) 625-9380.
Fox Chapel Boys Varsity Volleyball Invitational
The Fightin’ Planets won eight out of 11 sets and topped the Derry Area Trojans 25-15 to winning the event. The Planets competed against teams from Armstrong, Central Catholic, Deer Lakes, Derry Area, Fox Chapel, Obama Academy, and Pine-Richland high schools.
Participating team members included senior Conor Tomcik; juniors Amir Ali, Ryan Ceh, Mason Coone, Kaden Gratton, Liam Quinn, Tyler Raabe and Colton Riska; and, sophomores Derek Piatek and Kyler Robinson.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
2022 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2022 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship on Oct. 29, but was defeated 3-2 by the Greater Latrobe Wildcats.
The Lady Planets topped the Trinity Hillers 3-0 in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on Oct. 26. The team ended the 2022 regular season with an overall record of 12-5 and 10-2 in Section 5-3A play.
Players on this year’s team were senior Lauren Atwell, Ava Donnelly, Lucie Morlino, Kate Muchnok, Anna Pietrusinski and Megan Yanief; juniors Emma Balazentis, Emily Long, Emma McCosby, Taylor Schmitt and Lillyanna Staines; sophomores Lily Javor and Ella Nicotra; and, freshman Camdynn Gonzalez.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
2021-2022
2022 Boys Volleyball All-Stars
Three members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team were named among the top players in the region.
Sophomore Ryan Ceh (outside hitter) was selected for the 2022 Class 2A All-Section First Team and senior Ryan Mitchell (outside hitter/right side hitter) and junior Conor Tomcik (middle blocker) to the Third Team.
This season the Fightin’ Planets advanced to quarterfinals of the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 2-15 and 1-9 in section.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
2022 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to quarterfinals of the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship on May 19, but were defeated 3-2 by the Montour Spartans.
The Fightin’ Planets routed the Seton LaSalle Rebels 3-2 in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on May 17. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 2-15 and 1-9 in section, earning the Section 2-5A title.
Players on this year’s team are seniors Tyler Kearney, Ryan Mitchell, Mitch Valentine and Scott Wright; juniors Ethen Kosiorek, Drew Piatek and Conor Tomcik; sophomores Amir Ali, Nate Bossola, Ryan Ceh, Mason Coone, Vivek Dadi, Kayden Gratton, Owen Javor, Kyle Organ, Stephen Parker, Collin Petty, Liam Quinn, Tyler Raabe, Colton Riska and Ayden Starcher; and, freshmen Chase Allard, Derek Piatek and Kyler Robinson.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.wpial.org.
WPIAL Class 2A Feature Athlete of the Week
Senior Ryan Mitchell, a member of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team, was named a WPIAL Class 2A Boys Volleyball Feature Athlete of the Week.
“Ryan is our senior leader on the court,” says Michael Nypaver. “He was critical to our success last season and has been a consistent player for us this season.”
Mitchell (Outside/Right Hitter) is a two-year member of the team, which advanced to the first round of the first round of the 2021 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Volleyball Championship.
At Mars Area High School, Mitchell is a high honors student. He is also a member of the school’s Varsity Hockey Team and was selected to compete in the 2022 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL) Class 2A All-Star Game.
Mitchell plans to attend Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). For more information, visit http://swpavolley.com/2022_Boys_Web/2022_BV_Feature.htm.
2021 Section 5-3A Girls Varsity Volleyball All-Stars
Four members of Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team were named 2021 Section 5-3A All-Stars.
Junior Anna Pietrusinski was named to the All-Stars First Team and senior Ava Black to the Second Team. Junior Lauren Atwell and junior Ava Donnelly were Third Team.
This season, the Lady Planets advanced to the first round of the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship. The team ended the 2021 regular season with an overall record of 7-7 and 6-6 in Section 5-3A play.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team advanced to the first round of the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship on Oct. 27, but was defeated 3-0 by the South Fayette Lions.
The Lady Planets tamed the Blackhawk Cougars 3-0 in the preliminary round of the WPIAL Playoffs on Oct. 25. The team ended the 2021 regular season with an overall record of 7-7 and 6-6 in Section 5-3A play.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Ava Black and Yumeno Ikeda; juniors Lauren Atwell, Ava Donnelly, Emma Libert, Lucie Morlino, Kate Muchnok, Anna Pietrusinski and Megan Yanief; sophomore Emily Long; and, freshmen Ella Nicotra and Lily Javor.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.wpial.org.