Chambersburg volleyball locks in 1st district berth since 2013

Shortly after Chambersburg's 2012 state championship run, the Trojans boys volleyball team fell into a slump.

But from the beginning of the season, this Chambersburg squad looked to have what it takes to break the skid and finally make it back to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Well, mission accomplished.

The Chambersburg boys volleyball team finished its regular season on a high note with a 3-1 win over New Oxford, and is officially headed to the District 3 playoffs.

"We are definitely excited to see what we are going to do in districts," Chambersburg's Nate Walker said. "But it's all mental. Preparing for districts we need to work on passing and putting the ball away, but I think we're set as long as we work on our mental game."

"They have mostly everything they need and they know what they need to do to be successful against anybody they need to play," Chambersburg coach Marta Helfrick said, "it's just a matter of doing it and staying mentally focused.

In Monday's win against New Oxford the Trojans rallied from a close first-set loss to dominate the second, racking up a 20-8 lead in the game before winning the set 25-15. Chambersburg won the next two sets 25-20 and 25-17, respectively.

And although the Trojans looked sharp throughout the four-set match, Chambersburg got a big spark off the bench from Jake Myers, who entered the game before the fourth and final set.

Myers had two big diving digs in the final points of the fourth game, which was followed by an eruption of cheers from the lively Senior Night crowd.

"That kid is the scrappiest player on the bench," Walker said. "I loved having him in the back row, I knew if it was going over my head he was going to get it. I had a lot of faith in him, but he got to prove it in this game."

"That's all I've wanted to do all year is come off the bench and show the coach what I had," Myers said. "It felt amazing to prove to myself that I was capable of doing it."

Chambersburg will begin its district journey on May 18 in the first round. The district cutoff is May 12 and brackets will likely be finalized in the following days. Currently, Chambersburg is ranked ninth in the 14-team bracket.