Unionville volleyball squad loses heartbreaker to Pine-Richland in state quarterfinals

After a four-hour road trip to Altoona Saturday morning, the Unionville High School girls’ volleyball team began its PIAA 4A state quarterfinal against District 7 champion Pine-Richland on fire, winning the first two sets, 25-23 and 25-22.
Unfortunately, a third victory never quite came for the Longhorns (22-2), who dropped the next three sets, 19-25, 22-25 and 15-17. Unionville led the third set 8-4, held a 17-13 lead in the fourth set and was just one point away from winning the fifth and deciding set, leading 14-13.
“I’m so proud of our team,” said Unionville head coach Stephanie Smith. “Our players worked so hard this season — these girls really played for each other this season. It’s such an accomplishment to come this far in States, and it’s not something you take for granted. Our girls really had to work hard to get (to state quarterfinals).”
Senior captains Maddy Lowe and Jillian Murphy were among those who stood tall for the Longhorns Saturday. Lowe finished with 16 kills and 10 digs, while Murphy had eight blocks and five kills.
“Maddy and Jillian have been a big part of our team the last few years,” said Smith. “They’ve set the tone, and have led by example. They also brought to the team the experience of being in the state final (in 2020). They worked hard and pushed their teammates (by example). We had a great group of seniors this year — Maddy, Jillian, Delaney McCoy and Ashley Wilson — and they’ll be leaving some big shoes to fill.”
The Longhorns also featured a solid group of juniors who contributed greatly to the Longhorns’ successful season – including Ava Brenner (13 kills and four blocks Saturday), Vivian Geiger (12 kills, five blocks), setter Olivia Harper (49 assists), libero Ava Van Deusen and Brianna Miller.
“This team has always played with confidence,” said Smith. “Sometimes on the sideline during the regular season, if the team was struggling a bit, I’d think about taking a timeout, but just then our team would go out on a long service run (laughs). They’d take control of the game.”
During the regular season, Unionville was undefeated, posting an 18-0 record and losing only five sets total. In the District 1 4A tournament, the Longhorns defeated Downingtown East (3-0), Upper Merion (3-1) and Lower Merion (3-0) before falling to Garnet Valley, 3-2, in the district championship final. In the PIAA 4A state tournament, Unionville defeated Ephrata 3-1 before facing Pine-Richland.
“It’s a long volleyball season, when you consider that our girls play club volleyball as well,” said Smith. “All season long, our players stayed motivated. I’m so proud of them.”