With Fisher focused, Strath Haven holds court
NETHER PROVIDENCE >> Brianna Fisher wanted her teammates to forget about the Central League title loss to Garnet Valley as quickly as possible. While the result was not what they had hoped for, the second part of their season was about to begin.
Safe to say, Fisher and her teammates refocused just in time.
Fisher posted a team-high 19 kills along with two aces to lead Strath Haven past Conestoga, 3-0, Tuesday night in the first round of the PIAA District 1 Class 4A playoffs. The Panthers cruised to a commanding victory, winning 25-18, 25-15, 25-11.
Fisher tallied six kills in the first and second sets, respectively, and was pleased with how her team responded after the league title loss.
“One of the things I’ve always admired about my team since I was a freshman is (how) we stress looking past” the Central League title, Fisher said. “We always focus on (district playoffs) too.”
Emma Golato added four aces and 10 digs, Rachel Kent had eight kills up front and Casey Blum had five kills and two aces for John Grossman’s team, who felt homecourt advantage was a major factor in his team’s win.
“In our gym, we were a little more comfortable and we were able to execute just a little bit better than them,” Grossman said.
The Pioneers (12-9), whose only leads came after scoring the first point in the second and third sets, were led up front by Lauren Harris with five kills in the first set.
Conestoga head coach Diana Felker said her team couldn’t slow down Fisher.
“They’re a completely different team with her because there’s no rotation where they don’t have big hitters in the front row,” Felker said.
Strath Haven (12-7) moves on to play Plymouth Whitemarsh in the next round.
In the Catholic League quarterfinals:
Cardinal O’Hara 3, St. Hubert 0 >> Meghan MacWilliams dished out 21 assists for the Lions, who won by scores of 25-4, 25-14, 17-15. Charlee Borcky chipped in five kills and five aces, while Erin Daly contributed six kills and one block.
The Catholic League semifinals will take place at Neumann University Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m.
In the Inter-Ac League:
Notre Dame 3, Baldwin 0 >> Notre Dame put the finishing touches on an undefeated run through the Inter-Ac League with a 25-12, 25-16, 25-18 sweep.
Allison Hendrick led the way with 11 kills for the Irish. Emma Butler had nine assists and Marina Ruiz added six.
Germantown Academy 3, Agnes Irwin 1 >> Gianna Napoleon paced the Owls with 16 kills, six blocks and an ace. Alex Hark chipped in with 10 kills and Alexis Capers added eight kills and three blocks.
