CATASAUQUA, Pa. – Allentown Central Catholic captured the 2026 District 11 Class 3A girls volleyball championship Tuesday night, defeating Pine Grove Area in four sets, 25-8, 23-25, 25-15 and 25-23, at Catasauqua High School.
The Vikettes (16-4) used a balanced offensive attack, strong serving and solid defensive play to hold off a determined Pine Grove squad and secure the district title.
Chloe Cook and Leah Sweetana led the way offensively for Allentown Central Catholic, finishing with 10 kills apiece. Cook also contributed three blocks, while Sweetana added seven digs and three service aces.
The Vikettes came out firing in the opening set, dominating Pine Grove 25-8 to establish early control of the championship match.
However, the Cardinals refused to back down.
Pine Grove responded with a much stronger effort in the second set, battling Allentown Central Catholic point for point before pulling out a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
Lily Flynn played a major role in keeping the Cardinals competitive, finishing with a team-high 12 kills, 10 digs, three blocks and one service ace.
Natalie Terry provided additional offensive support for Pine Grove, recording 10 kills, three digs, one ace and one block.
With the championship match tied 1-1, Allentown Central Catholic regained control in the third set.
The Vikettes’ offense found its rhythm behind the playmaking of Emily Tucker, who distributed 38 assists while contributing five kills, 12 digs and two service aces.
Piper Cerimele added eight kills and one block, while Emily Strobl chipped in seven kills, 11 digs and one service ace.
Allentown Central Catholic pulled away for a 25-15 victory in the third set, putting the Vikettes one set away from claiming the district championship.
Pine Grove once again responded with a strong effort in the fourth set, refusing to let the championship slip away without a fight.
The Cardinals kept the contest close behind Flynn, Terry and setter Addison Daubert, who finished with 17 assists, seven digs, two kills and one service ace.
Graycie Griffiths anchored Pine Grove’s defensive effort with a team-high 19 digs and one service ace.
Despite the Cardinals’ determination, Allentown Central Catholic came through in the closing moments, securing a hard-fought 25-23 victory to complete the four-set win.
The Vikettes’ defense played a significant role in the championship victory, with Briana Bauer recording a team-high 21 digs, along with 10 service points and one ace.
Jackie McEwen added 10 digs, while Luci Comfort contributed three kills, six digs, eight service points and two aces.
Ana Mushrush provided a major spark from the service line, finishing with a team-high five aces and 18 service points. Mary Psarros also contributed six digs.
As a team, Allentown Central Catholic finished with 43 kills, 78 digs, 39 assists, four blocks and 14 service aces, demonstrating the balanced performance that helped the Vikettes secure the championship.
For Pine Grove (16-8), the loss does not end its postseason journey.
The Cardinals will face the District 4 runner-up in a PIAA Class 3A play-in match Saturday at a District 4 site. The time and location have yet to be announced.
The winner of that contest will advance to the 16-team PIAA state championship bracket.
Meanwhile, Allentown Central Catholic advances directly to the PIAA Class 3A round of 16, carrying the momentum of its District 11 championship into the state tournament.
The victory gives the Vikettes the 2026 District 11 Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship, highlighting a strong postseason performance and another opportunity to compete for a state title.
District 11 Class 3A Girls Volleyball Championship
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – Catasauqua High School
Allentown Central Catholic 3, Pine Grove Area 1
| Set |
Allentown Central Catholic |
Pine Grove |
| First |
25 |
8 |
| Second |
23 |
25 |
| Third |
25 |
15 |
| Fourth |
25 |
23 |
Next Games: Allentown Central Catholic advances to the PIAA Class 3A round of 16. Pine Grove Area faces the District 4 runner-up Saturday in a state tournament play-in match.
