NTL VOLLEYBALL: NEB CONTINUES SUCCESS IN 2024 SEASON (2024-11-19)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
In 2023 NEB volleyball had a historically good season, and sequel in 2024 lived up to that mark, with the Panthers going 17-4 to retain the NTL Small School title, and claim the District IV, Class A title.

“We’re incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished this season,” said NEB coach Venessa Perez. “It’s been a year of growth, resilience, and hard work. Our seniors, in particular, have been instrumental in setting the tone for our program, and they leave behind a legacy that future teams will aspire to uphold. We’re excited to build on this season’s achievements and look forward to what the future holds for our returning players. It’s been a fantastic season, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

The Panthers opened the season with a 14 match winning streak, with all victories going four sets or less.

They got wins over Mountain View (3-0), Canton (3-0, 3-1), NPL (3-1), Loyalsock (3-1), Troy (3-1), CV (3-0), and Williamson (3-1) - all playoff caliber teams.

The eventual District IV, Class AA champions, Wellsboro, gave them their first loss, 3-2, but NEB rebounded to beat Athens (3-0) and Lewisburg (3-0). 

A tough 3-1 loss to CV followed, but they returned home to beat Williamson, 3-0, to clinch the NTL Small School title.

They ended the season with losses to Troy (3-0) and Towanda.

The Panthers swept the district tournament, beating Galeton (3-0) and Canton (3-0) to claim the Class A crown a year after winning the Class AA title.

In a rematch with Mountain View in the first round of states the Panthers fell 3-2.

Toni Herb had 309 kills, 285 digs, and 56 aces for the Panthers, with Kiarra DeLancey getting 443 digs, 43 aces, and 94 assists. 

Abby O’Connor notched 313 kills and 35 aces, Kelsea Moore had 495 assists, 224 digs, and 47 aces, Abby Chobot finished with 121 kills, and 35 aces, with Zaelea Lane getting 199 digs, 90 assists, and 25 aces.

The 2024 season marks the end of an era for the Panthers as their top six players graduate. Sayde Heines and Madalyn Smith, both of whom saw some time on the varsity court, will be looking to build the program back up next season with new faces.

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