PIAA VOLLEYBALL: SAYRE'S HISTORIC SEASON COMES TO END IN STATE QUARTERFINALS (November 8, 2025)

Valley Sports Report
SHAMOKIN — Sayre's historic season came to an end Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Linville Hill Christian School in the PIAA, Class A quarterfinals.

The District 11 champion Warriors, now 22-0, won by scores of 25-17, 25-14, and 25-15.

"We knew going into today that they were going to play us tough," said Sayre coach Colby Sangrey. "Consistency and limiting errors was what Linville did well, and that kept us from finding our rhythm. 

"There were several instances where we got big blocks, had hard swings, and kept plays alive through our hustle, he added.

Linville Hill took advantage of a few early Sayre jitters to take a 7-0 lead. After a Sayre timeout, LH stretched the lead to 16-5.

Sayre trimmed the deficit to 19-11, and pulled within seven points, at 24-17, in a 25-17 setback in the first set.

Linville Hill jumped ahead 10-4 in the second set, and continued to add to its lead, with its biggest advantage the final score of 25-14.

The Warriors built a quick 12-3 lead in the third set, and stretched it to 15-4, before Sayre closed the gap to 15-7.

The Redskins trailed 22-14 before succumbing 25-15 to end the match.

(STATS WILL BE ADDED WHEN PROVIDED.)

The Redskins started the season with two losses to run their losing streak to 68 matches, but ended the season with a 12-10 record, the program's first-ever District 4 title, and the program's first-ever state playoff win.

"I really couldn't be much happier with how our season went," said Sangrey. "These girls worked through several new experiences and tough situations, but took advantage of every opportunity that they were given. 

"The amount of growth I saw from the players individually and as a team was incredible. 

"We have taken big strides in the right direction and have a lot of momentum moving forward," added Sangrey. "I have high hopes for the future as we continue to build this program."

The Redskins graduate just one starter in Rylee Lantz, and one reserve in Harley Brown.

"Our seniors brought a lot of passion to our team this year," said Sangrey. 

"Rylee (Lantz) is a huge part of our team, both as a player and a leader," he noted. "Her presence as a hitter and blocker helped us maintain the tempo of our offense and remained a consistent weapon for us. 

"The way that she rallied the team in between sets had a huge part in the way that we rebounded against Canton in the district championship and Mountain View in states," added Sangrey. "Those moments of leadership were huge, and it will allow our other players to learn and grow into that type of leader as well."

Sayre, with just one junior on this year's squad, will return a wealth of experience next year and beyond.

"For next year's team, we'll have most of our starters returning," said Sangrey. "There will be big shoes to fill with Rylee graduating, but the multitude of new experiences we had this season were great for us moving into next year, especially since we are such a young team."



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