The Norwin High School boys' volleyball team had just suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Fox Chapel in the WPIAL semifinals after winning the first two games.

The disappointment carried over to the Knights' first game of the consolation final against Hempfield, which left coach Al Warden wondering if his squad would be making a third consecutive trip to the PIAA tournament.

"Our goal was to win the WPIAL title," said Warden. "So when we lost to Fox Chapel in the semifinals, I was worried that the guys might pack it in. I obviously had nothing to worry about. My seniors were not going to let that happen."

Just when it looked like Norwin's season would come to an end, the Knights reeled off three consecutive victories to record a 3-1 win over arch-rival Hempfield Area and claim the WPIAL's third berth in the PIAA tournament, which begins tomorrow at Penn State's Rec Hall.

"I was very proud of the way my kids fought back in the consolation final," said Warden. "Hempfield played a great match, but my kids were determined to make another trip to states. It's a shame the WPIAL doesn't get four PIAA berths, because Hempfield is certainly worthy."

The consolation final, which took place at La Roche College prior to the championship match, marked the third time Norwin and Hempfield faced off. They split their regular-season encounters and shared the Section 5 title.

Hempfield opened the match with a narrow 25-23 victory, but Norwin rebounded with a 25-20 victory in game two. The Knights dominated the next two games 25-16, 25-11.

"It's disappointing to come this far and fall short again," said Hempfield coach John Howell, referring to the Spartans second consecutive fourth-place finish. "I feel bad for the seniors. I don't want to take anything away from Norwin's fine performance, but we didn't play the way we are capable of playing. That's what's so frustrating."

Hempfield couldn't stop Norwin's 1-2 punch of senior middle hitter Brad Bouldin and senior outside hitter Mike Ferragonio. Both were voted to the first team of the WPIAL All-Star team for the second year in a row in a ceremony that took place after the consolation final.

"Bouldin and Ferragonio are both great players, and smart players," said Howell. "It's tough to shut down two all-state hitters in the same lineup."

Bouldin and Ferragonio took turns attacking Hempfield's defense. Ferragonio capped Norwin's win in game two with a pair of kills, while Bouldin did the same in game four.

"With Brad and Mike in the lineup, we are a threat to beat anybody in the state," said Warden. "We just have to stay focussed and be very consistent. We can't afford to have a down period in such a strong pool."

By placing third in the WPIAL, Norwin has the unfortunate task of being in the strongest of the PIAA's four preliminary pools. Joining the Knights in Pool A are: District 3 champion Hempfield, District 6 champion State College, and District 3 fourth-place finisher Elizabethtown.

"It is the strongest of the four pools, but not as strong as I thought it would be," said Warden. "Hempfield was an upset winner in District 3. They have to be considered a threat because of their history. Hempfield has won four of the last five PIAA titles."

If Norwin is fortunate enough to be one of the two teams from Pool A to advance to the quarterfinals, the road doesn't get any easier.

"Our crossover pool will also be tough," said Warden.

Norwin placed fourth in the WPIAL in 2003, third in 2004 and second in 2005. The Knights placed second in the PIAA last year.

"We proved last year that you don't have to be a district champion to get to the state title match," said Warden. "It will just be a little tougher this year."HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL