Tri-Valley Bulldogs Face Undefeated Linville Hill in State Semifinals

The Tri-Valley Bulldogs are set to continue their pursuit of the PIAA Class 1A Girls’ Volleyball state championship on March 12, 2024. The Bulldogs, with an impressive record of 23-1, will face the Linville Hill Warriors at 7 p.m. in a highly anticipated semifinal match at Cocalico High School in Denver. The Warriors, who hold the title of District 3 champions, enter the matchup undefeated at 22-0.

Linville Hill has demonstrated remarkable form throughout the tournament. They began their playoff run by defeating Conemaugh Valley in a four-set thriller, with scores of 28-26, 28-26, 20-25, and 25-9. In the quarterfinals, they dispatched Sayre High School in straight sets, winning 25-17, 25-14, and 25-16. This marks the second consecutive year that Linville Hill has reached the semifinals, having advanced to the finals last season before falling to the Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions in a closely contested five-set match.

Tri-Valley is also coming off a strong playoff performance. After a challenging first-round victory against Ephrata Mennonite, where they won in five sets, 25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 17-25, and 15-11, the Bulldogs defeated Faith Christian in the quarterfinals with a dominant display, winning 25-6, 25-7, and 25-14.

Key players for Tri-Valley have been instrumental in their success so far. Junior Faith Melocheck has made a significant impact, recording 38 kills and 17 digs. Her sister, senior Callie Melocheck, has contributed 50 assists, 20 digs, nine aces, and three kills. Senior Liv Lupole has also excelled in the playoffs, accumulating 26 kills, 16 digs, four aces, and a block, while junior Kirra Klinger has tallied 37 digs, five assists, two kills, and an ace.

In order to succeed against Linville Hill, Tri-Valley will need to be vigilant of the Warriors’ formidable sister duo, Brianna and Olivia Lapp, who have been pivotal to their undefeated season.

The winner of Tuesday’s match will advance to the finals, where they will compete against the victor of the semifinal between Eden Christian and Maplewood, scheduled for March 16, 2024, at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg at 10:30 a.m.. The stakes are high, and both teams are eager to secure their place in the championship game.