VOLLEYBALL RECAP: Southern Lehigh moves on

Top-seeded Southern Lehigh showed why it earned the No. 1 spot Wednesday night, cruising past No. 4 Bethlehem Catholic in straight sets, 25-15, 25-13, 25-15, in the District XI Class AA semifinals. The Spartans improved to 14-5 on the season and punched their ticket to the District 11 Championship match with a dominant all-around performance.

Southern Lehigh controlled the pace from the opening serve, using balanced offense, strong serving pressure, and crisp ball movement to keep Bethlehem Catholic off balance throughout the match.

Tyler Dittus orchestrated the Spartans’ offense with an outstanding 38 assists while adding three kills, one block, and one ace. Dittus consistently distributed the ball across Southern Lehigh’s attack, allowing multiple hitters to shine.

At the net, Mason Williams led the Spartans with nine kills and added a block, while Henry Parrish contributed eight kills, one block, two digs, and an assist in a strong two-way effort. Nate Bukta chipped in six kills, two digs, and an ace, while Zach Roman added six kills and two aces to help fuel the balanced offensive attack.

Cavan King-Vlass added five kills, one dig, and one assist, and Jeremy Hoch provided four kills, two digs, and two aces as Southern Lehigh continued to apply pressure in every rotation.

From the service line, the Spartans were equally effective. Chase Benner tallied three aces while adding a kill, four digs, and two assists, helping Southern Lehigh maintain momentum throughout the match.

With the victory, Southern Lehigh advances to the District XI Class AA championship, and will face Notre Dame Green Pond who defeated Lincoln Leadership Academy 3-0.