CAPTIVATING CRUSADERS: Elk County Catholic Continues to Make Volleyball History, Moves on in PIAA Playoffs

ST. MARYS, Pa. (EYT/D9) — For Tori Newton, the result was the culmination of years and years of work.

All the bruises and muscles pulls and disappointing losses led to this moment for the senior on the Elk County Catholic volleyball team.

Celebrating a District 9 championship.

(Pictured above, Tori Newton)

ECC did that in convincing fashion last week, taking down Clarion-Limestone in straight sets in the Class A title match. It was the first district crown for the school since 1996.

“Winning the District 9 championship means so much to our team,” Newton said. “This is something we all have worked very hard for, both in season and out of season. We are all very excited about the win.”

But the Crusaders want more.

They took the first step on Tuesday night in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs at home against Homer Center with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-27, 28-26 victory.

Behind a balanced attack led by Reagan Bauer and Newton, ECC moved on to a matchup with District 7 champion Serra Catholic at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Punxsutawney High School in the quarterfinal round.

“Losing in the first round of states last year was kind of rough,” Newton said. “So it means a lot we could win D9 this year and win our first state playoff game.

“We’re really excited,” Newton added. “We’re just gonna keep working hard at practice and hopefully make it to the state championship. That’s been a really big goal for all of us.”

The first step was a good one for the Crusaders, who got 16 kills from Bauer and 15 more from Newton.

Kiri Emmert had 47 assists.

Defensively, Ashlynn Schutz had nine blocks.

“We had a good attitude and that was really important,” Newton said. “We were just trying to get them out of system and just play our ball and play relaxed.”

ECC was up 2-0, but let the third set slip away.

“We play a little relaxed after that,” Newton said. “That’s something we definitely need to fix.”

Newton said the environment in the Elk County Catholic gym also played a big part in the victory.

The fans were loud and raucous and helped get the Crusaders pumped up.

“It was just so much to fun to play in that environment,” Newton said. “Our fans are so awesome. I really think it helps us get more hype after every point out there.”