2025 Girls Volleyball Wins WPIALS For First Time in Avonworth History

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The Avonworth girls volleyball team ended this year’s 2025 regular season with an overall record of 8-6, their section record being 7-3.

Going into the playoffs, they were put at the 11th seed. Despite their relatively low placement, they’ve managed to claim a spot in the WPIAL championship game.

Co-captain of the team, senior Jada Taylor, says that going into the playoffs “we knew we were seeded low, but in our minds we were the number one team.” Clearly, this positive mindset helped the team execute at top performance.

Jada also mentioned that the team “knew they had the most depth.” Considering the numerous girls named as All-Section players, this statement proved accurate.

During their second round win against Seton LaSalle, junior Julia Cernich was named game MVP after her stellar performance as an outside hitter.

11th grader Julia Cernich, already committed to Rice University, is a dominant hitter for the team and co-captain with Jada Taylor.

The requirements in place for state-qualification have become increasingly challenging this year. Teams must now make it further than what was previously expected, adding to the adversity the volleyball players have faced. Typically, semi-final qualification would be enough to advance a team to the state playoffs. This year, however, only three teams from the district would qualify. They needed a win if they wanted to avoid playing a consolation game.

They managed to defeat Waynesburg Central in a close fifth set at Peters Township High School in the third round of WPIAL playoffs. Players said that they “went into the game very optimistic.” This attitude paid off as it pushed them to continue playing at a high level, even after being down 5-0 at the start of the fifth set. This solidified their spot in the PIAA bracket.

The team rallies together to maintain a positive attitude, even when facing tough competition. Julia Cernich emphasized the importance of team unity, saying that “we trust each other and we all have each other’s backs.”

The final WPIAL face off against Hopewell took place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th at Peters Township High School. After losing a close first set, the team came back and won three straight sets to secure the win, making Avonworth Girls Volleyball WPIAL champions for the first time in school history—and the first team seeded at #5 or below to ever win the title.

They give thanks to the student section, flooded with passionate, encouraging fans who stepped up to show their support. In fact, Julia Cernich said that “we used the energy in the room to fill our adrenaline.”

Juniors Julia Cernich and Clementine Dutot-Lucs were named 1st Team All WPIAL players while sophomore Ali Colasante earned a spot on the 2nd All WPIAL Team following the final game.

The team went on to compete in the first round of the state playoffs!