Southern Lehigh Sweeps Mount Saint Joseph Academy in PIAA Class 5A Volleyball Opener, Improves to 23-0

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – The Southern Lehigh girls volleyball team continued its remarkable undefeated season, sweeping Mount Saint Joseph Academy in three sets, 25-14, 25-17 and 25-21, in the opening round of the PIAA Class 5A state tournament.

Playing on its home court, Southern Lehigh improved to a perfect 23-0 on the season behind another impressive offensive performance from Amelia McCoy and Sarah Jones, along with outstanding serving and defensive contributions throughout the lineup.

The Spartans wasted little time establishing control of the match, taking the opening set 25-14. Southern Lehigh’s balanced offensive attack and aggressive serving helped create scoring opportunities and put Mount Saint Joseph Academy under pressure.

McCoy led the Spartans with a match-high 14 kills and an impressive eight service aces. She also contributed eight digs, showcasing her ability to impact the match on both sides of the net.

Jones provided another strong offensive presence, finishing with 13 kills, three service aces and five digs.

With a 1-0 advantage, Southern Lehigh continued its momentum in the second set. The Spartans maintained their offensive rhythm and pulled away for a 25-17 victory, moving within one set of advancing in the state tournament.

Eliana Marques played a key role in directing Southern Lehigh’s offense, distributing 28 assists while adding one kill and four digs. Her playmaking helped keep the Spartans’ hitters involved throughout the match.

Mount Saint Joseph Academy battled in the third set, providing its strongest challenge of the afternoon.

However, Southern Lehigh remained composed and closed out the match with a 25-21 victory, completing the three-set sweep and keeping its perfect season intact.

The Spartans’ serving proved to be a major factor in the victory, with Southern Lehigh recording 21 service aces.

McCoy led the way with eight aces, while Zoe Siuta added six. Jones contributed three, and Cam Tyrell and Lexie Rizzuto each finished with two.

Siuta also recorded one kill and five digs, while Tyrell helped anchor the defensive effort with a team-high 13 digs and one assist.

Rizzuto added 10 digs to go along with her two service aces, giving the Spartans another strong performance in the back row.

Lydia Bartlett contributed four kills and one block, while Ava Rivera added two kills and one assist. Sama Al Alim chipped in one dig.

Southern Lehigh’s balanced performance demonstrated the depth that has helped the Spartans remain undefeated throughout the season.

With McCoy and Jones combining for 27 kills, Marques directing the offense and the Spartans delivering 21 service aces, Southern Lehigh had several ways to put points on the scoreboard.

The victory marks another important step in Southern Lehigh’s postseason journey as the Spartans continue their pursuit of a PIAA Class 5A state championship.

Now standing at 23-0, Southern Lehigh advances to the next round of the state tournament with its unbeaten record intact and momentum firmly on its side.

PIAA Class 5A Girls Volleyball – First Round

Southern Lehigh 3, Mount Saint Joseph Academy 0

At Southern Lehigh High School

Southern Lehigh Individual Statistics

Team Highlights

• Record: 23-0

• Total Kills: 35

• Total Service Aces: 21

• Leading Hitter: Amelia McCoy (14 kills)

• Leading Setter: Eliana Marques (28 assists)

• Leading Defender: Cam Tyrell (13 digs)

Next Up: Southern Lehigh advances to the second round of the PIAA Class 5A Girls Volleyball Tournament. They will face Upper Dublin.