The Warren Area High School volleyball team is the first WAHS squad to reach a state final in any sport since the 2000 softball team.

When the Warren volleyball takes the court at Cumberland Valley High School for their PIAA Class 3A state championship match against West York today, they will become the first team from Warren Area High School to participate in a state final game in 18 years.

The last time a team represented WAHS at this level was June 16, 2000, when the softball team took the field at Shippensburg University for a clash with Emmaus.

We reached out to some of the players from that team to get their recollections from that incredible postseason run, and for any thoughts or advice they have for the Dragons before they take the court today.

First, a little history.

The 2000 Warren softball team entered the season with high expectations.

The Dragons were coming off a District 10 championship and first-round state tournament win the previous year. Warren also had a solid nucleus of returning players who provided great pitching, explosive offense and solid defense. The Dragons rolled through the regular season to an 18-1 record, outscoring their opponents 121-15.

“We were a dedicated team that was determined to win,” said first baseman Nancy Hepinger (Morris). “We put everything we had into the game.”

Warren won its second straight D-10 title, then opened the state tournament with a pair of thrilling 1-0 victories over Hempfield and State College. The Dragons earned their spot in the title game with a 5-0 win over North Hills.

“Each step was harder, so we had to step it up more with each win,” Hepinger said.

“Each time we would win a game, we were all really excited and it felt like a dream come true to be on the team and doing what I loved,” outfielder Stephanie Arthurs (Woods). “I remember getting up each morning excited to see our run of local fame posted throughout the sports section, but at the same time, we didn’t lose focus. We kept practicing as if we hadn’t won.”

Emmaus came into the final having won District 11, then getting a 4-0 first round win before a pair of 1-run victories over Chambersburg and Hazelton to set up the title game showdown with Warren.

“The championship game was rough, we were all nervous,” Johnson said. “But after that lightning storm came in and we had to take a time out from the game, after that the nerves left us.”

The game itself was an instant classic for those who love a great pitcher’s duel. Warren’s Allison Atwood and Emmaus’ Shannon Williams were both brilliant. Sara Roba hit a RBI single to account for the only run of the game as the Green Hornets claimed the title.

The Dragons entered the championship game knowing they were playing not just for themselves, but for an entire community.

“I remember the nerve and the worry that we would let everyone down,” outfielder Emmy Johnson said.

“But I also remember the excitement of being from a smaller area and playing with the bigger cities and winning against them.”

The community showed just how much it was behind the team as they prepared to take the long bus ride to Shippensburg.

“I remember Dave Whipple playing ‘Put me in coach’ on the radio for us,” catcher Rachael Confer Hopewell said. “One of my favorite memories was the parade that the town surprised us with when we left. A crowd gathered at the bus ramp, the mayor read us a proclamation and the crowd wished us well as we boarded our bus. The sign, at the bottom of the high school driveway wished us luck and I thought we were on our way.

“Somehow, the town managed to surprise our team,” she continued. “The streets were lined with people from their businesses coming out to waive us off and wish us well. The credit union sign and fast food signs had messages for us, all the way down by the refinery.”

The sheer volume of people had Johnson taken aback.

“It was a surprise to find out how many people were rooting for us and, if I might add, a little extra pressure, but mostly a great feeling of love and support,” she said.

The community support wasn’t confined within Warren City limits either.

“It may be a tall tale – like a fish tale – but, if my memory serves me correctly either Clarendon, Sheffield or both also wished us well out of town,” Hopewell said. “It was awesome and a memory I’ll never forget.”

The fish in this tall tale might not be too big, as Sheffield students came out to show their support as the Dragons bus made its way down Route 6 Friday morning.

The support didn’t wane upon their return either.

“Everyone seemed proud,” Hepinger said. “There wasn’t anything negative, just all supportive.”

“I remember the excitement of the community sending us off as we headed to the state game, and when we returned as runner ups that night, they were all there still cheering us on, showing their support,” Arthurs said.

Those players remembered more about the experience than specifics of any one game, and they wanted to impress upon the current Dragons to soak in whatever they can during their time in Mechanicsburg.

“To me, it was fun times doing what we loved,” Arthurs said. “A group of girls who grew up playing ball together.”

“I don’t remember much of the game, just the emotions,” Hepinger said. “The details don’t stay with you, but the emotions never leave. There will always be a connection to the girls on the team.”

Finally, from one state finalist to another, they all wanted Warren volleyball to know they’re cheering them on.

“It’s ok to be nervous, but don’t let it affect your game,” Johnson said. “Just have fun and whatever the outcome, you made it this far and that in itself is amazing.”

“We are proud of you and are cheering you on,” Confer Hopewell said. “Enjoy, play hard, show great sportsmanship and soak it all in. So many are rooting for you and this time will be such a great memory for you.”

“Play hard, treasure these memories with your teammates and always be humble,” Arthurs said. “You’ve been blessed with a great opportunity in your life, and you’ll find years after these days are gone that an amazing number of people you don’t even know, knew your name and you gave them a reason to be excited.”

“Be proud of what you have accomplished,” Hepinger added. “You will remember this for the rest of your lives. Enjoy every moment.”