Hartman lauds coaching staff as Frazier prepares for WPIAL final

Nov 6, 2026 By Rob Burchianti 3 min read

Frazier and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart took very different paths to the WPIAL Class 2A girls volleyball final that will be played at Peters Township High School’s AHN Arena at 11 a.m. Saturday.

The top-seeded Lady Chargers (17-2) received a first-round bye before breezing to straight-set victories over No. 8 Springdale and No. 4 Shenango.

The third-seeded Lady Commodores (17-3) easily disposed of No. 14 Washington, 3-0, in the first round but then had to battle back to defeat both sixth-seeded and section foe Beth-Center, 3-1 after dropping the first set, in the quarterfinals and second-seeded Fort Cherry, 3-2, after falling behind 2-1, on Tuesday to claw their way into the championship match.

Senior Allie Monack led the Lady Commodores in the win over the Lady Rangers with 16 kills and 17 assists, and junior Morgan Fisher added 12 kills and 17 assists.

“I’ve had teams in this situation before where they get out there, it’s a big scene and we forget everything we’ve been practicing,” Frazier coach Mandy Hartman said after Tuesday’s semifinal win, also at AHN Arena. “They executed tonight and I’m super proud of them.”

Hartman’s squad is a seasoned group as far as the playoffs are concerned, having made a run to the PIAA final four two years ago after losing in the district final and also winning a state game last year after falling in the WPIAL semifinals.

Frazier is making its fifth finals appearance and third in the last six years. They are 2-2.

“They do have a lot of experience and I thought that might have been a bit of an advantage for us tonight,” Hartman said on Tuesday. “Our kids have been here, they’ve been in a semifinal game a few times.”

Frazier was swept at home by the Lady Rangers in the regular season and also fell in a five-set match to OLSH.

Hartman’s squad already avenged the former defeat and now will look to get revenge on the Lady Chargers, who won by scores of 25-20, 25-16, 20-25, 16-25, 15-6 in their prior meeting at Frazier on Sept. 3.

Hartman lauded those who contribute to coaching the Lady Commodores.

“This coaching staff, I have to give a lot of credit to them,” Hartman said. “They really are exceptional. We all did our homework and the girls executed and followed instructions.”

Frazier is led by Hartman noted all who have helped her in guiding the 2026 team.

“Shannon Watkins, she watches film and practices from Florida and comae when she can,” she said of the former Geibel Catholic star. “Her input is invaluable.”

Hartman’s daughter and a member of Frazier’s 2022 WPIAL champion team, Gracen Hartman, is included in the group.

“Gracen and (former Frazier standout) Maddie Salisbury are volunteers and are juggling their seasons at Cal U with ours,” Hartman said. “Their insight and ability to relate and connect with these young players is invaluable.

“Alex Muccioli prepares our JV girls and gets them ready to compete in situations like (Tuesday) tonight.”

Watkins’ father and former Lady Gators coach Rick Watkins, who has also won two WPIAL titles, contributes greatly as well.

“Rick was my club coach and when I asked him to come be a part of this program I never thought he would,” Hartman said. “His love for this game shows every day and he is still teaching me about the game.”

Hartman’s husband Don Hartman, is also an assistant coach.

“Donnie brings the enthusiasm and is another great athletic mind.”

Hartman said, in summarizing the group, “I am truly blessed.”