Pennridge boys volleyball coach Dave Childs speaks to his team after the first set against Council Rock North on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Pennridge High School. (Media News Group)
PERKASIE — No hassle.
The second-seeded Pennridge Rams defeated No. 7 Council Rock North 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-18) in front of a strong home crowd in the District 1 Class 3A quarterfinals. , and won almost without a hitch. Thursday night.
The win advances Pennridge (16-1) to a semifinal matchup against No. 6 Unionville, which defeated third-seeded Haverford 3-0 on Thursday, at William Tennent High School on Tuesday at 5 p.m. did.
“Everyone was focused,” said sophomore Logan Jarosinski, who had six kills and six digs. “With Jude Rotondo coming back, we all thought we had a chance to win state now. The plan was always to go 3-0. We have a great staff and a great team. We have a team and are always willing to fight for each other. We put our bodies on the line for each other.”
Rotondo, who was sidelined for two months with an ankle injury, had 11 kills and six digs. Senior Evan Jarosinski set the stage for Pennridge with 37 assists and also scored eight goals. Bryce Ammon had 14 kills and four digs, Aaron Ladd had seven kills and two blocks, Chris Cullen had six kills and three blocks, and Ethan Baugh had eight balls.
“It's good to jump on them early like we did,” Pennridge coach Dave Childs said. “It's really great to see us so focused and ready for a playoff game. There was a great atmosphere here.
“It was Jude's first game back so we weren't really thinking about anything yet, but it was great to see him on the court and see how the team reacted. ” said Childs. “I like what we played tonight, but it's going to be a tough game on Tuesday.”
Pennridge led the Indians almost wire-to-wire in every set and appeared to be in control even in the middle when the score was close.
The Rams, who reached the district final a year ago, displayed experience and versatility all night and were clearly the better team in every phase.
“I think we're the best hitting team in the state,” Logan Jarosinski said. “I think we're the best serving team in the state. Our only weakness is defense. But we can still do amazing things with it. As long as we keep the right attitude. , we're going to win everything.”
Top-seeded Pennsbury will play No. 4 Bensalem in the other semifinal at Tennent on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Follow Christiaan DeFranco of X at @the_defranc.