Win or lose, making states means your team is one of the best

The PIAA tournaments opened yesterday, and while the YAIAA had six teams competing in the soccer and volleyball tourneys, only two teams -- Delone Catholic girls' volleyball and Biglerville boys' soccer -- won their first-round matches.

But even though Dover girls' soccer, Central York boys' soccer, Susquehannock boys' soccer and York Suburban girls' volleyball lost, they should take consolation in the fact that they are among the few who actually made the tournament.

Consider these numbers ...

There are 572 PIAA schools that field boys' soccer teams.

Breaking it down even further ... Central was one of 16 AAA teams out of 190 to make states. Susky was one of 16 AA teams out of 200 to make states.

On the girls' side, there are 537 schools participating in soccer. Dover was one of 16 AAA teams out of a possible 179 to make states.

And in girls' volleyball, there are 581 schools fielding teams in the state. York Suburban was one of 16 AA teams out of 202 to make states.

So, congratulations on a well-played season. You made it farther than most teams and represented the YAIAA to the fullest.

Here are some other fun District 3 stats: Leaders of the pack: Out of the 12 PIAA districts, District 3 fields the most boys' teams in wrestling (88), tennis (79) and soccer (111).

We're No. 2: In most every other sport, D3 falls second to the WPIAL (District 7), including cross country (89), basketball (119), baseball (108), track (101) and golf (92). D3 is second to our southeast neighbors, District 1, in boys' lacrosse (45).

We're No. 3: In terms of boys' swimming, District 3 ranks third (56 teams) behind District 7 and District 1.

Football numbers: As a whole, District 3 ranks second with 93 teams, again behind District 7, who has 123. However, D3 fields the largest number of Class AAA teams with 39. District 1 has the largest number of Class AAAA teams with 44. And District 7 tops the AA and A pack with 35 and 37 teams, respectively.

District 8 fields just six football teams.

For the girls: Once again, District 3 is second to District 7 in cross country (89), volleyball (96), basketball (117), swimming (55), softball (98) and track (100). Girls' lacrosse (43) is second to District 1.

Hotbed of field hockey: D3 tops all other districts with 88 teams. District 1 follows with 80. After that? District 11 has 32 teams.

Top teams: D3 fields the most teams in golf (68), soccer (102), tennis (83), competitive spirit (54).

Visit the PIAA website to see a breakdown by sport and classification.