NTL VOLLEYBALL: YOUTHFUL TOWANDA BATTLES THROUGH 2024 CAMPAIGN (2024-11-11)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
A young Towanda volleyball team battled through another tough season, coming up just short of their main goal of making districts, but still making progress along the way.

“This was a great season for Towanda Volleyball,” said Towanda coach Cassie Smith. “Though we were just short of districts, I am proud of how this team matured and showed growth throughout the season both on and off the court. They worked hard to improve upon their record from last year along with their individual skills. We had some key players step up at critical times, and I am really looking forward to what next year will bring as they continue to develop in all aspects of the game.  Both JV and Varsity should be proud of what they accomplished this fall.”

Towanda went 9-10 on the season, missing the Class AA playoffs by one win.

They opened with a 3-1 win over a playoff bound CV team but then los the next three matches to playoff caliber teams Williamson (3-0), Troy (3-1), and Williamsport (3-0).

Wins over Athens (3-0) and Wilkes-Barre (3-1) evened up their record, but they were followed by losses to district finalists Troy (3-0) and Wellsboro (3-0).

They gutted out a home win over state playoff team in Mountain View (3-2), but that was followed by losses to Athens (3-0) and NPL (3-0).

The 3-match win streak with victories against Canton (3-0), Sayre (3-0), and Hughesville (3-0) put them back on the path to the playoffs.

However, a loss at Wyalusing (3-0) meant they needed some upsets.

They lost to NPL (3-1), but defeated Hughesville (3-0). They needed a win over the eventual district champions, Wellsboro, but fell 3-0 before getting a forfeit win against NEB.

The Towanda JV team had some success, as well, winning the Athens JV Volleyball tournament.

Brooklyn Evans led the team in kills (209), blocks (54), and aces (41) while adding 159 digs and 118 points.

Karis Flynn led the team with 372 assists and 125 points, while also getting 140 digs and 59 kills.

Brynsen Vargason had 203 digs to lead the Knights, while adding 123 points, and 89 kills.

Lariah Long had 125 digs, 91 points, 55 kills, and 27 aces, as Alyssa Dulaney notched 98 digs, 87 points, 39 kills, and 32 aces.

Kaya Johnson notched 57 kills, 106 points, 31 digs, 20 aces, and 17 blocks as Layla Miller had 77 digs.

Lone senior Lillie Maynard finished with 13 kills, 31 points, and 33 digs.

Losing just one player from this squad means they’ll be looking to set their sites a little higher in 2025.

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