Ten couples made a late appearance at Bethel Park High School's senior prom Friday night. Their excuse? They were attending the WPIAL boys' volleyball championships at La Roche College.

"We had nine seniors and one junior who went to the prom," said Bethel Park coach Tom Allman, after the Black Hawks were defeated by defending champion North Allegheny in the Class AAA title match. "The junior was the date of a senior member of the girls' volleyball team. Most of their dates came to watch the match."

The players showered and dressed at La Roche and were taken to the Westin William Penn for a late arrival at the prom.

"They were supposed to be at the prom at 7:15, but our principal gave them an exception since they were playing in the championship match," Allman said. "They all walked into the Westin wearing their silver medals. They all had a great time."

Allman was pleased and disappointed with the Black Hawks performance in the WPIAL playoffs. The Black Hawks sailed into uncharted territory by becoming the first team in school history to appear in a WPIAL title match. But North Allegheny ended Bethel Park's title hopes with a 3-0 sweep.

"I'm very pleased to even be here," said Allman, after awarding silver medals to members of his squad. "It was an incredible experience to be in the WPIAL finals. It was obviously disappointing to lose, but we put up a good fight. Maybe we'll get a chance to play them again in the PIAA Tournament."

Bethel Park entered the 12-team WPIAL bracket as the No. 2 seed, and recorded a pair of victories en route to the final. The Black Hawks posted a 3-0 win against Plum in the quarterfinals, and a 3-0 sweep of Norwin in the semifinals.

"The nervousness of being here for the first time had a big effect on us," Allman said. "We had never played in a match of this magnitude. [North Allegheny] is a very confident team and played very strong. They never backed off."

North Allegheny opened the match with a 25-18 victory, but fell behind 13-9 in the second game. At that point, North Allegheny coach Dan Schall called a time out. The Tigers responded with 16 points, while limiting Bethel Park to seven, to close out a 25-20 victory.

"They doubled up on Michael O'Brien," said Allman, referring to a senior outside hitter. "That was their defensive scheme. They wanted to shut him down and it worked."

North Allegheny concluded its sweep with a 25-10 win in game three.

"These guys are an experienced bunch," said North Allegheny coach Dan Schall, referring to his lineup, which features four two-time WPIAL All-Stars. "That was very critical in fighting off a very talented Bethel Park team."

The title was North Allegheny's fifth in six seasons, and 11th since 1985. North Allegheny ranks third in WPIAL history, behind Penn Hills (13) and Homestead (12).

"We're moving into uncharted territory again with the PIAA tournament," said Allman, now in his 18th season. "It will be a new experience for us. It will be a little nervy, especially since we have a long drive to Central Cambria High School to face the third-place finisher from District 3 (Central York)."

Bethel Park's season ended Tuesday with a 3-2 loss against Central York in the first round of the PIAA tournament.