Paradise, PA —11/4/25
The Warriors opened its state tournament run in dominant fashion Tuesday night, defeating the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays in four sets (28–26, 28–26, 25–20, 25–9) before a packed home crowd.
The gym was filled to capacity long before the opening serve, with both student sections creating a playoff atmosphere from start to finish. Every rally, there was a roar, every point a surge of energy that lifted the players on both sides.
The first set began as a tug-of-war. Conemaugh Valley established an early 8–5 lead behind their serving, forcing Linville into its first timeout. The Warriors regrouped quickly, responding with a 5–0 run to regain control at 10–8. Neither team led by more than three points the rest of the way as the crowd grew louder with each exchange. Linville faced set point down 24–23 but erased it with back-to-back kills and clutch defense. After two side outs and a long rally that tested both front lines, Linville closed the opening set, 28–26.
In the second set, it was just as intense as the first. The Blue Jays jumped ahead 7–3, capitalizing on unforced errors and strong play at the net. The Warriors responded after a timeout, tying the set at 10–10 before both sides traded points deep into extra play. Conemaugh Valley held a narrow edge late, but Linville’s serving played a huge factor. A pair of key defensive stops shifted momentum as the Warriors once again pulled out a 28–26 win to go up 2–0.
In the 3rd set, Conemaugh Valley refused to go away. The Blue Jays found their rhythm early, taking a 13–9 lead and forcing a Linville timeout. Linville adjusted defensively, tightening serve-receive and forcing longer rallies. The set remained tight through 20–20, but Conemaugh Valley’s energy at the net and student section gave them the push they needed to take the set, 25–20, cutting Linville’s lead to 2–1.
It didn’t take much to wake up the sleeping giant. After the horn sounded for the 4th set our Lady Warriors were determined to close the match. With clean passing and consistent serving, the Warriors jumped to an early 10–3 lead, prompting an early Blue Jays timeout. The momentum never wavered as Linville extended the margin to 17–6 before Conemaugh Valley burned its final timeout. The Warriors continued to press, mixing controlled offense with great defensive coverage. A spike in the middle by our senior #14 closed out the set 25–9, securing the 3–1 match victory. From start to finish, Linville showed great composure under pressure and resilience in key moments, earning their place in the Quarterfinal round of the PIAA State Tournament.
What’s Next: The Warriors will play on Saturday, November 8 against Sayre Area High School. Time and location is to be determined….
