Coudersport falls in state's 'sweet 16'

Coudersport's hopes to enter the Elite Eight in the state high school volleyball playoffs were dashed Tuesday night near Pittsburgh.

Coach Greg Stone's Falcons made the long trip to Wexford, where they took on Seton LaSalle High School and fell in three straight, 25-16, 25-20 and 25-11.

Seton LaSalle is a talented team that had its hands full against Coudersport until the nip-and-tuck second game setback seemed to deflate the visitors.

"We were pleased to be one of the final 16 teams in the state," said Stone.

Coudy got 10 kills, 12 digs and three points from Northern Tier League MVP Jessica Wilson in her final match. Junior Karli Duffee dished off 20 assists. Senior Jordan Bright finished with nine digs, three kills and two points. Melissa Gerner, also a senior, contributed four kills and three points.

The Falcons were coming off a grueling trip through the District 9 minefield on Saturday. They beat Redbank Valley and Elk County Catholic in two-game sweeps to earn a match with top-seed Clarion.

An opening 26-24 win fueled hopes of a D9 title, but Clarion came back to even things with a 25-15 decision and iced t with a 25-22 triumph in the finale.

Coudersport closed out its season with an 18-3 record.