“Well, there’s certainly nothing for the team to hang their heads about, losing to a really good North Catholic team,” said Warren coach Mike Dolan, whose Dragons fell, 23-25, 25-21, 15-25 and 16-25. “I think they’re ranked third in the state for good reason. It was also such a great experience and atmosphere playing a state playoff game in front of a packed house in our gym. We couldn’t have asked for better support from the community and the Flannel Panel (student cheering section).

“The three seniors closed out their high school volleyball careers leaving it all out there on the floor,” said Dolan. “Each of them has played so well this season and their skills were on display tonight. Kylie (Fehlman) was such an incredible presence at the net with her blocking, forcing (North Catholic) to try to make plays hitting around her, and some amazing and memorable attacks and kills. Summer (Lucks) made great plays all over the court once again, and is such a terrific leader in the back court and with her serving. Alexia (Bowers) played a great all-around game, especially with some great attacks where she elevates over the other team’s block once again.”

Fehlman finished with 13 kills, Bowers 11 kills and eight digs, and Lucks 14 digs and four service aces for Warren, which finishes 15-3 overall after winning its second-ever D10 title and first since 2018.

“North Catholic served very tough and kept us out of our system in those last two sets,” said Dolan, “so it was tough to get any momentum, and we ended up giving them too many chances to attack. When you do that against a good team with good hitters, it catches up with you, and it did tonight.

Warren junior Maddy Jones (6) battles at the net during the Dragons’ 3-1 PIAA 3A playoff loss to North Catholic on Tuesday at Warren Area High School. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

“The team should be very proud of the season they had,” added Dolan, “battling for lots of great and memorable wins against some of the best teams in the area. It will be hard to replace the seniors, but I’m looking forward to seeing where they all end up playing next year if they choose. We also have a strong group of underclassmen who really love the game and work hard to keep practices competitive and I’m confident many of them will step up next year and keep the team playing at the highest level.”

WPIAL’s second seed and the 2022 state runner-up Trojanettes (19-1) next meet WPIAL’s third-seeded Thomas Jefferson (18-2), which defeated D9 champion DuBois in four sets on Tuesday.

Warren junior setter Lindsay Madigan — who surpassed 1,000 career assists this season — had 33 assists and six digs in the loss on Tuesday. Junior teammate Maddy Jones had five kills and four digs, sophomore Madelyn Nosel five kills and five digs, sophomore Lilly Newton two kills, junior Sophie Walker seven digs and three aces, and junior Lily Walker three digs.

But this team goes far beyond stats.

“The growth I have seen throughout the season is incredible,” said Fehlman. “We have worked so incredibly hard all season long. We have gotten closer as a team on and off the court. The bond that we have made as a team is beyond words. We have put in so much effort all season and I am so proud of the team we have become. We may not have gotten as far into the state playoffs as we would’ve hoped, but I am so proud of how far we have come. We are an amazing team and the girls will continue to impress next year.”

Warren junior Sophie Walker (8) returns a ball during the Dragons’ 3-1 PIAA 3A playoff loss to North Catholic on Tuesday at Warren Area High School. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans