8th Grade Team
After dropping their first three matches of the season, the Hopewell Girls Volleyball 8th Grade team has found its rhythm and responded with two straight wins, moving their record 2-3. Showing strong improvement in communication, serving, and overall teamwork, they head into the 2nd half of the season with excitement and high expectations.
Key Contributors for 8th Grade
Ariana Fischer – Middle Blocker & Serving
Brooke Otto – Setter & Serving
Afton Budris – Outside Hitter & Serving
Sam Holsinger – Setter & Serving
Stella Sannan – Libero, Back Row & Serving
Alyssa Phillips – Outside Hitter & Middle Blocker
Amiyah Shell – Outside Hitter & Middle Blocker
Leah Buettner – Back Row
Sierra Perry – Back Row
Ellie McCoy – Middle Blocker
Lily Cain – Back Row
Arionna Shell – Outside Hitter
Riley Yanchik – Back Row
G’lianna Wilcox – Back Row
Kelsey Homick – Back Row
These players have continued to grow and have helped drive the team’s recent momentum with strong serving runs, aggressive net play, and consistent defensive effort in the back row.
The serving quality has dramatically improved this season with only 20 serving errors on 267 attempts. Leading the way is Otto with 66 attempts, 13 aces and only 1 error.
The net front presence has also improved. The blocking/hitting combination of Fischer & McCoy is extremely tough to hit around as teams are finding out. Budris & Phillips are becoming very strong on outside hitting thanks to excellent setting accuracy from Otto & Holsinger. And the back row play has improved quite a bit as the season has progressed from Sannan, Buettner, Holsinger, Fischer, Otto, Perry & Cain.
One of the highlights of the season so far was a statement win over Fort Cherry on Thursday afternoon, a team the program hasn’t beaten in quite some time. The match was a back-and-forth battle that showed the team’s resilience and determination.
· Set 1: 25-23 (Win)
· Set 2: 28-30 (Loss)
· Set 3: 15-9 (Win)
The victory was a major boost of confidence and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with one of the league’s stronger programs. Below are a few clips from the game showing the team’s excellent communication and ability.
Coach Terry Borkovic also shared his thoughts on the team’s progress- “We started off the season a little slow. Recently, the girls are coming together and playing awesome volleyball! The Fort Cherry win gave the girls confidence. Fort Cherry is one of the better teams in the league. I’m excited for the next few weeks. Really proud of these girls.”
With improved chemistry and confidence building each match, the team looks to carry their momentum into the second half of the season and continue developing their game.
7th Grade Team
The 7th Grade team is off to a 1–4 start to the season, highlighted by an exciting victory in their opening match vs Avonworth. While the record reflects a challenging first half of the schedule, the team continues to grow each week, showing determination, teamwork, and a strong commitment to improving on the court.
Several players have stepped up and played key roles for the team. Rilynn Davis has been a steady presence at Libero, anchoring the back row with strong defensive play and consistent serving. Adelynn Gray has contributed as both Setter and a back row player, helping keep the offense organized while stepping into multiple roles when needed. In the middle, Isla Rock has brought energy and aggressiveness as a Middle Blocker, while also contributing from the service line.
Kendall Bain has been another versatile contributor, playing Setter and back row while providing strong serving and leadership on the court. Kendall Miller has helped stabilize the back row with reliable passing and serving, while Kaleah Potter and Jayden Kemp have both contributed valuable points from the service line. At the net, Vanessa Kurta has added presence as a Middle Blocker, continuing to develop her role in the front row.
Head Coach Lexi Thompson shared that while the team has faced some tough matches early in the season, the players continue to show a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. “Our season is off to a challenging start with a 1–4 record, but the team continues to show growth, resilience, and improvement. I have a hardworking group of girls who show up ready to improve and compete every day,” the coach said.
The focus moving forward will be on finishing sets and capitalizing on close moments during matches. With the team continuing to gain experience and confidence each week, their hard work and commitment are laying the foundation for a strong finish to the season.
7th Grade Roster:
Rilyn Davis
Adelynn Gray
Isla Rock
Kendall Bain
Kendall Miller
Vanessa Kurta
Kalean Potter
Jayden Kemp
Savi Neophytou
Malena BonAnno
Eva Hein
Callie Sadler
Gia Yurcina
Kyla McNutt
Natalie Benninghoff
Remaining Schedule:
7th Grade – 3:30 PM / 8th Grade – 4:30 PM
Tuesday 3/10 – Away vs Montour
Thursday 3/12 – Away vs Avonworth
Monday 3/16 – Home vs West Allegheny
Tuesday 3/17 – Away vs Quaker Valley
Thursday 3/19 – Home vs South Fayette
Tuesday 3/24 – Away vs Fort Cherry
Thursday 3/26 – Home vs Montour
