Turn the page
Geibel Catholic sweeps Union in 1st playoff match in 7 seasons
Geibel Catholic had been one of the strongest volleyball programs in the WPIAL for the first part of the 21st century, but had fallen on tough times in recent years.
The Gators qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in 2019, as the team also made the state tournament after finishing third in District 7 in Class A, but had to rebuild following their last playoff appearance.
Geibel coach Kennedi Stockey was a member of the Gators’ squad in 2019, as Rick Watkins served as head coach. She continued her volleyball career at Geneva College before coming back as an assistant at Geibel.
She was promoted prior to this season, and the Gators finished fifth in Section 2-1A with a record of 7-7.
Geibel was seeded 10th by the WPIAL volleyball steering committee and had to make the trip to New Castle for its first-round playoff match at Union.
The Gators (9-10) didn’t let seeding or travel stop them from earning a 3-0 sweep over the Scotties (8-10). The set scores were 25-16, 25-10 and 25-16.
Neville Petrosky led Geibel with 21 digs and 16 kills. Teammate Mallory Clemmer had five aces from the service line and recorded three solo blocks.
Nolace Petrosky and Angela Li had 17 digs apiece.
Nora Al-Fakih led the Gators with 18 assists. Annabelle Kelly chipped in with 10 assists.
“This win means so much more than just advancing to the next round,” Stockey said. “After not making the playoffs since 2019, and not have a winning season since then, this group has officially helped turn the page for our program.
“This team has worked, believed and fought all season to put our program back where it belongs. Winning round one of the playoffs is proof that the hard work is paying off and that the standard is changing.
“These girls are not only making history for themselves, but they are building something that future teams will be proud to be a part of. This is just the beginning, but what this team has already accomplished is something they should always be proud of. They brought playoff volleyball back to Geibel Catholic — and they aren’t done yet.”
The Gators will have a tough task in the quarterfinals on Thursday at Serra Catholic, the No. 2 seed and a Section 2-1A foe. The Eagles (15-1) defeated the Gators twice in the regular season, but Geibel won a set in the first match.