NTL VOLLEYBALL: CANTON BATTLES THROUGH EARLY ADVERSITY TO HAVE STRONG SEASON (2024-11-12)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Canton overcame a difficult tragedy to have a bounce back season in 2024, finishing the year with a winning record, and reaching the District IV, Class A title game.

“With all the adversity this team was dealt this season, they really showed a lot of tenacity throughout it,” said Canton coach Jackie Thompson. “Although our seniors (Pepper and Kitchen) were outnumbered, they exemplified the leadership roles and were a great staple in the successful season we had. I will miss the competitive nature they both brought to the gym every day.”

It was a rough start for the Warriors, as they went 1-4 in their first five matches, their lone win 3-0 against CV. They did fall 3-2 to a tough Williamson team, and got a set (3-1) off the Class AA district champions, Wellsboro.

They would get a win against South Williamsport (3-1), and had a better showing against NEB the second time around, falling 3-1 during a ‘Green out’ in memory of Vayda Bryan.

Canton found their groove after that, winning five straight matches - Sayre (3-0), Williamson (3-1), Wyalusing (3-1), Athens (3-2), and sweeping CV (3-0).

They followed that up with tough losses to Troy (3-0) and Loyalsock (3-2), but came back to beat South Williamsport (3-2).

After a loss to Towanda they won three more to ensure a winning season, beating Athens (3-1), Sayre (3-0), and Wyalusing (3-0).

They ended the regular season with a loss at NPL (3-0), but opened the playoffs with a third straight win over CV (3-0).

In the District IV, Class A title match they fell to NEB (3-0).

Kendall Kitchen had 432 digs as the teams libero, while Addie Pepper had 161 digs, 297 assists, and 59 kills.

MaKenna Seachrist finished with 150 kills and 31 blocks, as Tara Gilbert had 140 kills, and 132 digs. 

Cailyn VanNoy added 107 kills and 185 digs, with Nevaeh Vroman getting 52 digs and 107 assists. Danah Wesneski chipped in with 66 digs.

All but Kitchen and Pepper return as the Warriors look to go one step further next year, and claim the District IV, Class and Small School NTL titles.

“I am pleased with the all-around growth from our underclassmen this year, and am looking forward to some off them stepping into more dominant roles next year,” Thompson said.

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