Mike Vukovcan No matter the level of sports, winning programs have the same expectations despite roster the turnover.
As the saying goes, ‘We don’t rebuild, we reload’.
Considering the success they’ve had over the years, the Hopewell HS Girls Volleyball team would fall under this category.
Year in and year out, Hall of Fame HC Terry Borkovic and his Lady Vikings just win and more times than naught, they’re in the running for the section championship.
Hopewell enters the 2026 season as defending Class 2A/Section 1 champions and coming off playing in the WPIAL Championship against Avonworth. Although they finished as runners-up, it was another successful season for Hopewell Girls Volleyball.
The question now is what’s in store for the upcoming season?
To get an answer to that question, Vikings Sports Now spoke to Coach Borkovic about a variety of topics concerning this his 2026 roster.
“In terms of pure athleticism, this team is one of the most athletic teams we’ve had in the past few years,” Borkovic tells VSN. “There is no drop off in talent from the past 2 seasons (WPIAL Silver Medalists). On the downside, we are young and inexperienced on the varsity level. These girls improve each day in practice and have shown growth and development from team camp to our scrimmage with Upper St. Clair last Sunday.”
“I believe that by the second half of the season, they will be a very strong, exciting team capable of a deep playoff run.”
Every year, teams are different and have different strengths and areas that need improved. Borkovic went over those areas with VSN.
“We should be strong at the net,” said Borkovic. “Attacking and blocking will be areas of strength. Hannah McDowell (5’10”, junior), outside hitter Avery Boyd (5’10”, senior), and Mikayla Kurta (6’1″, senior) middle blocker are returning letterman. They are all strong hitters and blockers.”
“Other players that will make a contribution up front are Addison Blosnick (5’9″, junior), Madelyn Early (5’9″, junior), Jisele Cain (5’9″, junior), Abby Babinsack (5’8″, sophomore), Ariana Fischer (5’9″, freshman), Marina Pinchotti (senior) leads a group of young defensive specialists, along with Cici Smetana (junior), Tessa Burgess (junior), Addison Pavlisko (junior) and Abby Meyer (junior). Development from this group will be crucial to our serve receive and back court ball control. The setting position will be handled by Ayla Pisano (senior) and Teagan Murray (junior). Both are highly skilled and run our offense efficiently,” said Borkovic.
Despite this youth and inexperience, Borkovic isn’t adjusting his expectations for this group and is looking forward to the upcoming journey.
“The 2026 Lady Vikings have the potential for a deep playoff run. They are a very focused group that works hard to uphold the “Hopewell Volleyball Tradition of Excellence”, said Borkovic.
“The new section will provide quality competition every match. Avonworth, the defending WPIAL and PIAA AA Champion lead the pack. Our girls are excited to start the season. Growth and development are keys to our success. Our goals never change: to compete for section and WPIAL Championships!”
HOPEWELL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 2026 VARSITY ROSTER
Mikayla Kurta (senior)
Avery Boyd (senior)
Marina Pinchotti (senior)
Ayla Pisano (senior)
Cici Smetana (junior)
Addison Pavlisko (junior)
Addison Blosnick (junior)
Tessa Burgess (junior)
Teagan Murray (junior)
Hannah McDowell (junior)
Lily Oldham (junior)
Jiselle Cain (junior)
Madeline Early (junior)
Abby Meyer (junior)
Abby Babinsack (sophomore)
Ariana Fischer (freshman)
HOPEWELL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 2026 JV ROSTER
Lily Cain (freshman)
Ariana Fisher (freshman)
Samantha Holsinger (freshman)
Kelsey Homick (freshman)
Eliana McCoy (freshman)
Brooke Otto (freshman)
Alyssa Phillips (freshman)
Sophia Catanzarite (freshman)
Lillian Otto (sophomore)
Gianna Rossi (sophomore)
Abby Babinsack (sophomore)
Liliana Katcher (sophomore)
Ava Ray (sophomore)
Isabella Cipolla (sophomore)
Geanna DiSantis (sophomore)
