St. Pius’ Leah Hardeman went head-to-head with Blessed Trinity outside hitter Molly McAlvany and stole the show Saturday in Marietta.
Hardeman finished with 35 kills on 64 swings and gave the Golden Lions their first volleyball state title, winning Class AAA with a 3-1 victory (25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18). Hardeman took over in the final game with 10 kills, including the clinching match point.
“She was fabulous,” St. Pius coach John Frederick said. “I think she is the best player in the state regardless of classification.”
While Hardeman finished the points, the St. Pius defense was the key to setting up its senior finisher. Ryan Boykin led with 35 digs, and Peyton Osborne added 19 of the Golden Lions’ 90 total digs. Setters Katrina Connolly’s 37 assists and Molly Gunn’s 32 assists turned the defense into offense for St. Pius.
Blessed Trinity forced a Game 4 by holding off a St. Pius comeback. The Titans’ 18-10 lead vanished, and the Golden Lions took a late 21-20 edge. McAlvany got Blessed Trinity back in front and closed the set with kills on three of the final four points.
In other finals:
Class AA
Wesleyan 3, Westminster 1: Wesleyan used defense to roll past Westminster (25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22) for the state crown. Wesleyan senior Hannah Hoskin finished with 22 digs and Kendra Koetter recorded 23 digs while adding 43 assists. Wesleyan trailed 18-10 in Game 2 and used its defense to take the set 25-21 off a 15-3 run. Lauren Frerking and senior Katie Van Laeke each finished with 17 kills and Van Laeke recorded kills in four of the final six points of the match.
Class A
Holy Innocents' 3, Hebron Christian 1: Holy Innocents' coach Taylor Norland won three state championships during her playing days at Woodward Academy. She made history again as she coached Holy Innocents' to its first volleyball state title and became the first person to win a volleyball state title as a player and coach in Georgia.
Haley Collins helped pace Holy Innocents’ to its (25-18, 25-19, 26-24, 25-20) victory and tallied 22 kills and eight of the Golden Bears’ 20 aces in the match. Sarah Porter notched 62 assists and, in the fourth game, junior Sarah Joe added to her 14 total kills.
About the Author
