West Shamokin Boys’ Teams Lose in WPIAL Playoffs

by Jonathan Weaver

The West Shamokin boys’ volleyball teams’ run in the WPIAL playoffs came to an end last night after a loss to Montour in straight sets.

Head Coach Scott Craig said yesterday evening that the team lost.

“We lost 3-0. It was a tough loss – we seemed awful jittery and (had) a lot of nerves, I think. We just didn’t play our best ball (last night),” Craig said.

Coach Craig explained that it was West Shamokin’s mistakes that prevented them from getting comfortable in the game.

“It’s more what we did wrong than what (Montour) did better. We didn’t pass the ball (last night), we didn’t hit – I think we were just overwhelmed being in the playoff game.

“But, it was still a good, fun season. Hopefully, the kids enjoyed the season and we’ll get ready for next year.”

Except for five seniors, open gym and weight training sessions will begin as early as next week for underclassmen to prepare for next season

The varsity program practices with the junior varsity boys, who are under the direction of Head Coach Malinda Oesterling.

Senior Brandon Stover, the team’s starting outside hitter, only started playing volleyball this season, but still characterized last night’s game as a hard loss.

“I think we mentally broke down. We couldn’t get good passes or good sets. Everything that could’ve went wrong went wrong,” Stover said. “It wasn’t our night.”

Still, he said the team’s skill level improved during the past few months.

“From the first practice til now, I think we improved a ton,” Stover said. “I think we showed a good example of what hard work and dedication can actually do.”

Stover played football and basketball for the Wolves the past four years.

He will enroll in the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown this fall to study electrical engineering.

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