Merion Mercy dominates state volleyball tourney

Merion Mercy put the finishing touches on a perfect season with a 25-12, 25-17, 25-10 win over West Allegheny on Saturday in the PIAA state Class AA girls' volleyball championship at Central York.

The Golden Bears (40-0), who beat District 3 champion Brandywine Heights, 25-16, 25-17, 25-10, in the semifinals earlier in the day, captured their fourth consecutive state title.

Tournament MVP Shelbey Manthorpe, defensive player of the tournament Emma Aldaya, and Merion Mercy teammates Kalen Backe and Stacey Manthorpe were named to the all-tournament team. The Manthorpes, twin seniors, are headed to Seton Hall.

"This is four state titles in a row," Merion Mercy coach Rich Johnson said. "This is the most complete state championship final we've ever played."

State Class AAA. Upper Merion got off to a slow start in the state final and never recovered, losing to Hempfield, 25-15, 27-25, 25-23.

In the semifinals, Upper Merion used Devyn Ingram's 22 kills and 19 digs to beat Dover, 25-23, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14. Cassidy Koenig added 40 assists.