PIAA girls volleyball 3A quarterfinal: Greencastle-Antrim vs Beaver preview

The class of girls volleyball in Pennsylvania battle for a state championship in their respective classifications. After an eventful first round, it's time to get the PIAA 3A quarterfinals started.

Let's dive deeper into the matchup between District 3 champion Greencastle-Antrim and District 2 winner Berwick at Greater Johnstown High School 2:00 p.m.

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Here's everything you need to know for the PIAA 3A girls volleyball quarterfinals match:

Greencastle-Antrim (20-2): Two years in-a-row Greencastle-Antrim hasn't made it out of the first round of the state tournaments. Their fortune changed when the Blue Devils defeated District 12 Conwell-Egan in a 3-1 victory Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Abigail Eagler, Mid-Penn's Colonial division Player of the Year, is a strong force on the outside. While Kylie Kerns, Morgan Kline, and Wren Roberts complete a deeply talented core that thrives defensively.

The Blue Devils are new here, but that doesn't mean they don't have the talent or mental fortitude to win.

Beaver (19-4): The Bobcats 2023 season ended in the semifinals to eventual Class 2A champion Philipsburg-Osceola. After a move in classification, Beaver has enjoyed success in its first year in 3A. The WPIAL 3A runner up comes into this matchup fresh off a 3-1 victory over DuBois Area in the first round.

Kailyn Connelly and Alaina Malobabic lead an explosive Bobcat offense that averages 11.3 kills per set. Connelly and Malobabic both have a hit percentage over 40 percent, specifically Connelly's impressive 47.5 percent. Aubrey Bumblis and Zoe Ringer round out a group of players that have Beaver one win away from the state semifinals

At stake: Both teams are looking to keep the momentum they've built for the program with successful seasons. Greencastle is looking to prove themselves as serious contenders in 3A. While the Bobcats look to establish themselves as legit threats in their first 3A season.

X-factor: The battle between Greencastle's defense and Beaver's hitters will determine the winner of this match. The Blue Devils play great team defense with Kerns and Kline leading the way. On the other hand, Beaver hitters are talented and efficient. It will be an entertaining battle, and the winner will come away victorious.

Pick: Beaver defeats Greencastle-Antrim 3-2