Confidence, Work Ethic Central To Keystone Oaks Girls’ Volleyball

The girls’ volleyball will open the 2011 season with low expectations from everyone—but themselves. 

“With teams like South Fayette, West Allegheny, and Montour, there’s not a doubt in my mind that this is going to be one of the toughest sections in the state,” said coach Michael DiPaolo. “It’s going to be a challenge for us to face off against these teams throughout the season, but I’m looking forward to pushing our girls and see what we’ve got.”

DiPaolo is coaching the girls' team for the second season, but has been coaching the boys for six years and will coach them again this year. 

Over the years, he built the boys' team, eventually earning the program’s first section title in the spring of 2009. 

The opportunity with the girls has presented new challenges. The team finished 2010 at 7-10 record—more wins than the previous two years combined.

“The biggest thing for us last year was to change the girls’ expectations,” DiPaolo said. “I came in and raised the bar as far as what was expected of these girls, night in and night out. They really responded well, and we put together some nice games.”

The Lady Golden Eagles lost their team captain and leader in senior Amanda Barilla, who not only was a huge part of the team on the offensive and defensive aspects of the game, but also provided the vocal leadership the team needed throughout the year. 

Even though the team returns seven starters to this year’s lineup, DiPaolo said experience isn’t on their side this season.

“We’re definitely behind the eight-ball as far as experience is concerned. We can’t focus on volleyball all year round like some of these other schools and athletes can. But we’ve already gelled as a group and I think that’ll help us a lot this year,” he said.

With experience, talent, and past success swaying in the favor of the likes of South Fayette, Montour, and West Allegheny, the focus of the Keystone Oaks’ team is to build on last year, to be competitive and hold their heads high.

“Confidence and attitude are everything at this level,” DiPaolo said. “We can’t worry about what the other team is doing or what their record is. All we can control is how we play our game. We’re going to work hard, be confident, and make the other team realize that they are going to have to work hard for every point.”

The Lady Golden Eagles open the season at home against the Carrick Raiders on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.