The Ambridge Area High School boys' volleyball team is competing in a new classification this year, but the Bridgers are still one of the best teams in the WPIAL, regardless of class.

"We've been one of the top five teams in the WPIAL the last five years, so I know we can compete in either class," said Ambridge coach Dennis Damp. "It doesn't really affect us, but in the long run it's a good thing for the sport."

	Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Charlie Goodell, left, and the rest of the members of the Ambridge boys' volleyball team huddle before a game against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart last week. Click photo for larger image.

Damp is hoping some of the Beaver County schools that dropped volleyball over the past 20 years will reconsider their decision now that they don't have to compete against giant schools like North Allegheny, Butler, Penn Hills, and Seneca Valley.

"I remember West Allegheny, Beaver, Sto-Rox all had boys' programs," said Damp, who has led Ambridge to the WPIAL playoffs ten of the last eleven years. "And before I came here, Center and Aliquippa had teams. It would be great to see some of those schools resurrect their program."

Ambridge is still competing in Section 1 with almost the same lineup of teams as last year. The Class AA Bridgers entered the week with a 9-1 overall record and lead the section with a perfect 7-0 mark. Ambridge is ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL rankings, behind Montour, a team the Bridgers defeated, 3-0, in a match held April 12.

"I couldn't care less about the rankings," said Damp, who paused for a few seconds before admitting. "Well, maybe just a little bit. But rankings mean nothing. What matters is how you do at the WPIAL, and hopefully the PIAA tournaments."

Montour moved in front of Ambridge in the rankings due to its runner-up finish at the Central York tournament, which is considered the strongest tournament in the state.

"We will find out [tonight] whether we deserve to move back up in the rankings," said Damp, referring to the Bridgers' rematch with Montour, which will be held tonight at Ambridge. "Then we go to Montour's tournament on Saturday. It's a big week for us. A win over Montour could secure us the top seed in the WPIAL tournament."

Ambridge has been to three tournaments, including Central York, but hasn't made it past the first round of the playoffs.

"At the North Allegheny tournament, we lost to Montour in the first round of the playoffs," said Damp. "At the Fox Chapel tournament, we lost in the first round to Plum."

Ambridge turned in a disappointing performance at the Central York tournament, finishing fourth in a preliminary pool of five teams.

"That was the strongest pool we've ever faced," said Damp. "We played Pennsbury, State College, and Lancaster Mennonite. It was a good learning experience."

Damp lost six of his top eight players to graduation. The two returnees are: 6-4 senior outside hitter Chris Vrooman and 6-2 senior right side hitter Charlie Goodell.

"Chris lettered as a freshman, was voted to the second team of the WPIAL all-star team his sophomore year, and was a first-team selection last year," said Damp. "Charlie was a second team WPIAL all-star. Both were also named to the Pennsylvania all-star team. Chris plans to continue his career at Juniata College."

Damp also has three returnees who played enough last season to letter: 6-3 junior middle hitter Matt Morski, 5-10 sophomore serving specialist Jonathan Sacco, and 5-11 junior libero Josh Sadowy.

"It's nice to have two talented hitters like Chris and Charlie with such a young team," said Damp. "It made things much better for our new setter."

Evan Fullerton, a 5-10 sophomore, is the new setter.

"Evan was our junior varsity setter last year," said Damp.

"He's handling the jump to varsity competition very well thus far."

Others seeing considerable playing time for Ambridge are: 6-3 sophomore middle hitter Luke Ecimovic, 6-4 freshman outside hitter Nick Goodell, 6-2 junior right side hitter Andy Mican, and 6-1 junior middle hitter Chris Campbell. Mican is a foriegn exhange student.

"Our section is clearly the strongest of the Class AA sections," said Damp. "So we have to keep working hard to stay on top."