Despite slow start, PO volleyball team sizzled late to advance to second round of PIAA action

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: November 9, 2021

PHILIPSBURG – After a slow start, the Philipsburg-Osceola volleyball team revved up their game en route to a 3-0 blanking of Avonworth in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs. The scores were 25-20, 25-13 and 25-13.

Leading the way for the Mounties was sophomore sensation Reese Hazelton.

Hazelton was sizzling by the end of the game one win and got even better from then helping her team from all aspects of the game. She helped lead the rally back from a 4-point deficit to take the come from behind victory.

Philipsburg-Osceola’s serving game came through in the clutch thanks to strong serves from Janey Johnson who made a first game run of seven consecutive points to turn an one-point deficit to the victory.

In the first game, the Lady Mounties found themselves behind midway through the contest as they were just missing on shots to the backline and sidelines.

The game started out as a back-and-forth thriller with the two tied at six.

But Avonworth made the most of the Mounties’ miscues to go on a 9-3 run, taking the 15-9 advantage.

But PO would slowly chip away at the lead on spikes by Hazelton and service three points by Josie Teckely and three by Kalista Butler, giving the Mounties back the lead 17-16.

But Avonworth battled right back to take the lead on a 3-0 run.

But then the ball got into the hands Johnson who was clutch under pressure and ended the game at 25-20.

In the second game, Philipsburg-Osceola got strong front play by Hazelton, Jayden Perks and London Cutler.

The Mounties jumped out to a 6-3 lead and never looked back as it was just starting to really gel. The game was never close as the Lady Mounties put a stranglehold on the game and never left go.

In the third and final game, the Lady Mounties were in the zone! The jumped out to a dominating 12-1 lead and never looked back.

PO rolled through their opponents in the final game and in the process adding another step closer to a State Championship game.