BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
It was a rebuilding season for the Northeast Bradford volleyball team but not one without some highlights as they featured a whole new line-up from the previous seasons.
The Panthers went 1-16 on the season but improved throughout the season.
Midway through the year they took a set off CV, then swept them 3-0 later in the year for their win.
“My girls played their hearts out and I couldn't be prouder of how much growth I saw from them this season,” said NEB coach Valerie Vanderpool. “The NEB coaching staff is already looking forward to the 2026-2027 season and seeing what our team will do! We are also very proud of our neighbor school, Sayre, for their accomplishments and we are all cheering them on as they continue to see great success!”
Sophomore Brianna Pelka led the team with 34 kills as freshman Allie Kuhn finished with 29. Kuhn also led them in digs with 77 while seniors Jaylin Wheaton (57) and Navaeh Potter (51) also had more than 50.
Junior Orissa Gardner proved to be an adept server, recording 32 aces on the year and a team high 73 points. Fellow junior Ella Cooley was second with 54 points.
They say good-bye to Wheaton, Potter, and Sayde Heines, but return seven players who saw action in at least 25 sets for the 2026 campaign.
