Poll: YAIAA girls’ Athlete of the Week | Nov. 3-Nov. 8

The word dynasty could be thrown around too often. In the case of Delone Catholic volleyball, it could also be fitting.

Certainly the program's had a strong recent tradition. And there is such a thing of being a victim of your own success. As for the Squirettes, they could certainly be in that category as well.

Before being eliminated in the first round of the PIAA Championships last Wednesday, the team won a State Title in 2013, and the state runner up in 2012. Before this year they had won two straight district titles, and they’ve captured county championship three straight years as well.

So when the Squirettes fell to Bethlehem Catholic 3-1 on Wednesday night in opening round of the PIAA, it was as much a surprise as a failure. And perhaps that’s not a negative thing.

"Don't feel bad at all, you were the ones that spoiled us," coach Jason Leppo said to his seniors following the match. "Four division titles, three county titles, two district titles, three trips to states, a state runner-up and a state championship. Nobody does that."

He certainly has a point. His 2014 seniors’ record during their tenure with the program? An astounding 93-6 during that time.

“I'm going to remember our state championship and runner-up for the rest of my life," said one of those senios, Maddie Comly. "Because I got to be on the team that raised the expectations so high."

That group of seniors include Comly, Cheyenne Altland, Kelly O'Boyle, Kayla Baadte, Ashley Dressell and Alicee Barosso. And in a light week of high school girls’ athletics on the local level, they win our YAIAA female Athlete of the Week award.