Seven players from six area schools were recently selected to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State teams.

These girls greatly impacted their individual team’s success, evidenced by the fact that each of their schools participated in the district playoff tournament.

Panther Valley’s Riley McCardle and Morgan Orsulak are being honored from their District 11 Class 2A runner-up squad which finished the regular season 17-1.

“Riley was a very versatile player for us,” said Panthers’ coach Emilie Baker. “She was a senior leader of our team and broke the school record for digs with 325 and added 68 aces and 371 kills to her game as well. She worked exceptionally well within space and had the opportunity to display her athleticism.

“Morgan was the quarterback of our team. She was very focused on the floor and her that helped attain 339 assists and 120 kills. She kept everyone else focused on their game and made sure we took care of business in every match we played.”

Another All-State selection was Brooke Mitzen from Jim Thorpe’s 2A team that finished regular-season play at 15-3 mark. Coach Chris Fallabel described her as “our go to hitter.”

“Brooke would be the one we would want to take the last shot in a basketball game,” he said. “She’s a very skilled power hitter and led our team in kills. She’s improved so much since last year. Other teams know about her abilities and they have to make adjustments to account for where her position is on the floor.”

Pleasant Valley sophomore Rylee Ruggiero was selected to the Class 4A team. In a word, Bears’ coach, John Gesiskie described her as a “dynamite” player who led his team in kills with 287 and averaged out to a .325 playing performance which counts the number of kills minus the number of mistakes with .200 being a barometer for a good player.

“Rylee also led our team in blocks,” said Gesiskie. “She has an outstanding jumping ability and many times was able to score against an opponent’s double block attempt.”

Ruggiero’s service ability also contributed many points and helped the Bears go undefeated during the regular season (18-0).

Lyla Kershner represents Lehighton in Class 3A. From the libero position, she led the Indians in digs with over 500 for the season, and on Oct. 5, she totaled 40 digs in a four game match.

“Lyla’s work ethic is second to none,” said Lehighton coach Lauren Nietz. “She watches film and takes extra reps after practice.”

Nietz praised Kershner’s ability to read the attack.

“She keeps her body leveraged to anticipate a potential kill shot,” said Nietz, “and then she knows how to hit the ball and where to hit it. She’s a special player.”

Senior Kylie Nagle from Northwestern also earned All-State accolades in Class 3A. She played the libero position and set the single season school record for digs with 403.

“Kylie was a team captain,” said Tigers’ coach, Mike Maston. “She had a terrific season, especially with serving aces and she ran our defense in all aspects of the game and even helped me position our players.”

Maston praised her vision of the floor.

“Kylie can anticipate where the hitter will be hitting the ball before the shot is taken,” he said. “She was a three-year player, a team captain, and the first player in our school history to make the All-State team.”

Marian’s Abigail Kluck earned All-State honors in Class 1A. She led the Fillies with 313 kills and 173 digs this past season. She also surpassed 500 kills for her career from her outside hitter position and was a dominant force in helping her team to a 15-5 regular-season record.

“Abbey is a go to six rotation pin hitter,” said Marian coach Maria Serina. “She leads by example and with her take-charge attitude. She never cuts corners. She is a great athlete and teammate and someone who is a joy to coach.”

The bar is set high for area volleyball teams next season with five of the seven All-State selections returning to help lead their schools toward another year of postseason play and an opportunity to win district championships in four different PIAA classifications.