The Shaler Area Boys Volleyball team has received some high honors in preseason rankings. They are ranked 9th in the country by USA Today and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Within this, they are ranked #1 in the Northeast.

“I care more about the ranking at the end of the season more than the beginning. However, I think it’s great for the boys to be recognized for all their hard work on that stage,” Head Coach Mr. Paul Stadelman said.

The team enters the season with the same mindset that they have had in previous years.

“Obviously it’s great to hear that our hard work is being recognized and we were all very happy about it, but we’ve already put the rankings outside of our heads. We still have a lot to prove before we begin celebrating and we know that letting rankings get to our head will only distract us from reaching our goals,” senior Joey Gannon said.

The team will return most of their contributors from last year’s 3rd place team in the WPIAL. This includes All-State members from last year, juniors Dante Palumbo and Logan Peterson.

“Our goals remain the same. Our plan remains the same. And our focus remains the same,” said Coach Stadelman.

The goal is to be the last team standing at the end of the season.

The Titans have lived up to the expectations so far by winning the Meadville tournament this past weekend. The team met Meadville High School in a matchup of undefeated teams in the tournament. The Titans came out on top, going undefeated in the entire tournament. The team then opened up regular season play with a 3-1 victory over Penn-Trafford. Shaler’s first home game is next Tuesday, March 28, against Norwin.

Opening 2023 USA TODAY Sports/AVCA boys volleyball Super 25