BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
It was a bounce back season for Wyalusing volleyball, who made districts, competed for the NTL Small School title, and came within a hair’s breadth of making a district run in 2025.
“Going into this season with a large group of returning players, Wyalusing had the experience to quickly move forward to prepare for a challenging season playing against some tough teams,” said Wyalusing coach Renee Broschart. “With hard work, sacrifices, and determination in changing our mindset, this team went from competitive to a contender in the Northern Tier League.”
The Rams went 12-8 on the season, going on a 6-1 spurt to start the season. They beat Hughesville (3-0), Athens (3-0), Wellsboro (3-2), Elk lake (3-0), NEB (3-0), and CV (3-0), with their lone loss coming to NPL (3-0).
A loss at Williamson (3-0) put them behind the eight ball in the district standings, but that was followed by wins over CV (3-0) and Canton (3-1).
A loss at Sayre (3-0) stretched their odds of winning a league title, which was snapped with their loss to Williamson (3-1).
They followed that up with a loss to Troy (3-0), but bounced back with a win over NEB (3-0).
They would have two straight competitive losses to Towanda (3-1) and Lewisburg (3-2), but came back with a win over Hughesville (3-0).
They lost a tight one to Loyalsock (3-2), but ended the season with a big win over Canton (3-2).
“The girls worked hard to improve serving accuracy, being disciplined on defense which included improving our block, running a strong serve receive and a strategic offense, and going 100%, 100% of the time,” Broschart said. “This team was hungry for wins. When they stayed focused, they prevailed. This started early with a huge home win over Wellsboro. The hunger stayed true on Huffman Night in front of a packed house while playing against Canton. Winning that game changed school history. Wyalusing volleyball hadn’t beaten Canton in over 15 years. With a tough loss against Sayre early in the season, sweeping them on Senior Recognition Night was an extra special victory.”
They lost 3-2 to Wellsboro in the district quarterfinals.
“A couple of years ago, this group made a goal to get to the district playoffs,” Broschart said. “This season they made that goal a reality. They should be incredibly proud of their drive to reach that goal and bring the program back to what it once was. With a solid foundation in place and seven strong players returning, next year’s team will move on with an aim to advance further in the District IV playoffs and challenge for titles.”
Emily Johns led the way on offense with 160 kills while adding 121 digs, 43 aces, and seven blocks.
Setter Josie Ferris was a contributor in many different areas with 486 assists, 212 digs, 39 aces, 32 kills, and even six blocks.
Jalynn Herda held the down the middle with 102 kills, 43 blocks, and 57 aces, as Addison Fluck had 31 aces, 88 kills, and 20 blocks.
Madalyn Broschart notched 73 kills, and 20 blocks, with Kirra Millard leading the team in digs with 282.
Avery Carr had 56 kills, Alyssa Neagle finished with 35, and Gabby Manahan had 31, while in digs Isabel McKeon had 131 as SaEva Manahan added 112.
They lose a few key seniors in Broschart, Carr, Fluck, both Manahans, McKeon, and Neagle, but return quite a few talented juniors and sophomores to keep building in 2026.
“In addition, the JV team had an incredibly successful season,” said Broschart. “They finished 15-3. That group of young ladies overcame a lot of obstacles and challenges throughout the season. They learned to communicate and work together toward reaching common goals. It’s exciting to see the future of Wyalusing volleyball.”
