PIAA boys volleyball: Mars sweeps Saegertown for first state tournament win to make Class 2A quarterfinals
ADAMS TWP — Mars was guarding against a repeat from last year.
Making their first-ever appearance in the boys volleyball state playoffs 12 months ago, the Planets let a 2-0 lead slip away in a loss to West Shamokin.
The WPIAL-champion Planets had no such letdown in Tuesday’s PIAA Class 2A opening-round clash with Saegertown, sweeping the visiting Panthers by scores of 25-14, 25-14 and 25-19.
“We let our foot off the gas last year, got complacent,” said Mars senior Ryan Ceh, who tallied 12 kills in Tuesday’s victory. “It felt really good to close the deal.”
Ceh was credited with Mars’ first three kills, but the team’s attack became spread out. He, along with Derek Piatek, Kaden Gratton and Liam Quinn each unloaded multiple thunderous kills on Saegertown. A number of times, a Panthers player ended up on his backside after trying to defend against the barrage.
“I knew Mars would get some big swings on us because they’re big and physical,” said Saegertown coach Justin Johnson. “I watched several videos on them and what surprised me tonight was their ball control. They passed very well.”
A slim lead for the Panthers (14-4) in the first set dissolved after Piatek and Quinn successfully attacked the net and helped the Planets get on a roll they carried to 25 points.
“Kyler (Robinson, setter) did a great job distributing the ball and it helped all of us get involved and we started hammering balls,” said Ceh.
The Panthers were in desperation mode afterward, not wanting to fall behind by two sets. But already trailing 17-12, the Panthers were on the wrong end of a service ace from Tyler Raabe, a kill from Piatek and another from Ceh and a hitting error. Johnson called a timeout to help his squad regroup and Cody Huson soon responded with a kill, but Mars’ lead was still daunting at 21-13.
“We’re used to getting touches at the net, letting our guys in the back row get some digs, but that didn’t happen often for us tonight.”
Defense for the Planets, however, was superb. They managed a number of blocks that kept the Panthers from grabbing momentum at crucial points in the match.
“Even more than the blocks, I thought we had a phenomenal night all-around on defense,” said Planets coach Mike Nypaver. “It was one of the best defensive games we’ve played.”
Piatek led Mars (21-0) with 15 kills. Collin Jones paced the Panthers with seven kills.
The Planets will be in action in Saturday’s quarterfinal round in a rematch with West Shamokin, a 3-1 winner over Ambridge.
“These guys are so dedicated to what’s ahead of them,” said Nypaver of his team’s focus.
In a Class 3A first-round matchup, Seneca Valley fell to host State College in a 3-1 decision.
The Little Lions prevailed by scores of 25-22, 25-11, 21-25 and 25-21. The Raiders end the season with a record of 15-8.
