YAIAA girls volleyball rankings: Who makes the cut?
Now that we’re a few weeks into the girls volleyball season, let's see how things are going. Some familiar faces such as Susquehannock and Delone Catholic have settled in at the top of the league, but who makes up the top five? It’s never too early to analyze, so here are the first power rankings for the 2015 season. Enjoy.
Delone Catholic (5-0, 4-0 YAIAA Division III)
They're the champs until they're not the champs anymore. Even after losing three all-stars to graduation, and even after losing Amber Johnson to injury, the Squirettes are still undefeated. A lot of that has to do with Katie Laughman, Sarah Senft and Lilly Singleton, who have all stepped up big this season.
They've ran through five opponents without dropping a single game yet. Business as usual for head coach Jason Leppo and company.
Key date: Sept. 30 at Susquehannock
York Suburban (5-0, 4-0 Division II)
Led by the dynamic duo of Ciara Buckingham and Jordan Landis, the Trojans are already in a tight race with Susquehannock for the division II crown. The Trojans have impressive wins over Gettysburg and West York on their resume, and have only dropped two games in five matches this season.
A tough three game stretch lies ahead as York Suburban gets upstart Kennard-Dale and Gettysburg on back-to-back days next week followed by a showdown with Susquehannock on Oct. 6.
Key date: Oct. 6 at Susquehannock
Central York (5-0, 5-0 Division I)
Led by junior Emma Saxton and a solid group of seniors, the Panthers have cruised to a 5-0 start, and their 3-2 win over Red Lion Wednesday night proved that Central is the team to beat in Division I. Saxton racked up 40 assists in the victory. It was the first big test for the defending champs and the Panthers didn't disappoint.
The next big test for Central could come in mid-October when it plays four of five on the road against South Western, Dallastown, Manheim Township and Red Lion. Yikes.
Key date: Oct. 20 at Red Lion
Susquehannock (5-1, 4-0 Division II)
Under rookie head coach Darla Pennewill, the Warriors hadn't dropped a game all season until they ran into Garden Spot Wednesday night.
It has been an impressive start to the season for Pennewill's squad. The only knock on Susquehannock is the lack of signature wins (just one win vs. a team with a winning record). Granted, the Warriors are only six games into the season and they're playing the teams in front of them. So we won't hold it against them.
The good news for Susquehannock: Four of the next five games are at home.
Key date: Sept. 30 vs. Delone Catholic
Red Lion (4-2, 4-1 Division I)
The Lions, who haven't won a division title since 2001, look to be Central's main competition this season. Red Lion gave the Panthers everything they could handle on Wednesday, but eventually fell, 3-2. Still, it was a sign that they're not to be taken lightly.
The Lions' only other loss came to powerhouse Garden Spot, and they have solid 3-1 wins over rivals South Western and New Oxford.
Red Lion gets four straight home matches over a ten-day span in early October, and they another chance at Central Oct. 20 at home.
Key date: Oct. 20 vs. Central
Honorable mention: Kennard-Dale (4-1, 3-1), Hanover (5-2, 4-0), Bermudian Springs (4-1, 2-1), South Western (3-3, 3-2), Spring Grove (3-3, 2-2)