The Fox Chapel Area girls volleyball team got a taste of the postseason in 2023, and that sampling makes the veteran nucleus that returns for this season want to ensure that it was not a one-time thing.
In 2023, the Foxes amassed a 6-8 record, 2-6 in Class 4A Section 3, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time, losing in the opening round to Upper St. Clair.
“Hopefully, this year we can build on that and take it to the next round,” said coach Diana Andreyko. “It’s something we’ve worked for all of those prior years. When I first came to coach at Fox Chapel, there weren’t many girls who played outside of the high school. Now, most of the girls that play at the high school are involved in club, AAU, or travel teams, which obviously betters their playing level because they’re more exposed to the sport. They’re playing more than just 2½ months out of the year. The playoffs are no longer something that is unachievable because this group has done it. We’re certainly eager. The girls have tasted it, and it’s put a new perspective in their mind about how far we can go.”
A veteran squad makes up coach Andreyko’s roster this season, each of whom went through the run to the playoffs in 2023.
“We’re not a young team; we have seniors and juniors only,” she said. “All of the players, especially the seniors, are experienced. Some of them are four-year starters. We’re returning a pretty good class, a pretty solid group of players.”
The Foxes move to Class 4A Section 4 this season with Kiski Area, Woodland Hills, Penn Hills, Armstrong, and Shaler Area.
“I think that’s good for us because I think we will have a little bit more of an equal playing field, which will perhaps allow us to move into the playoffs and maybe even get past the first round,” coach Andreyko said. “They made it driving wise, a little bit better for us. Driving to a game for an hour, hour and a half, then playing a game and driving back, the kids get home really late. I think we certainly have a better situation.”
The Foxes will run a 6-2 attack, which utilizes three front-row hitters and a setter who sets from the back.
Some of those who were involved in last season’s playoff run return, such as senior outside hitter Claire Feczko, a Big 56 second-team all-section selection last season.
“She’s an all-around player for us who’s very, very valuable,” coach Andreyko said.
Also key will be senior setters Addy Bursick and Brooke Fenton, starters since their freshman year.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how being seniors makes them step up even more,” the coach said.
Senior middle hitter Vanessa Perez, a Big 56 first-team all-section selection returns to the lineup. Coach Andreyko describes her as a “very, very talented, athletic girl.”
Junior Emma DiRocco supplies excellence at the middle blocker position, but she can move to the right side if necessary. Emma also was a Big 56 all-section second-team selection.
One player that will have to be replaced is libero Scarlett Hancock.
Coach Andreyko was still deciding who would fill her role out of some girls on the roster who are defensive specialists since Hancock was the Foxes’ top defender in 2023.
The coach is quick to point out that she emphasizes a team atmosphere since she has such a big roster.
“All of the girls will need to play their role in order for us to do well,” she said. “I can use all of the girls and use all of their skills.”
That team concept is what coach Andreyko feels will be key in getting back to the postseason.
“The key to success in high school girls volleyball is just getting along and accepting the roles that the girls have to play and perform in,” she said. “It’s important that they support each other and are accepting of the roles they have to do for the team. I think that’s the key to success for any girls team.”