Spring Grove's 'smurf' problem
Spring Grove boys' volleyball coach Bill Hahn knows how much of an asset height can be in his sport. He also knows how much his club is lacking in that area and the disparity was obvious during the Rockets' District 3 Class AA quarterfinal loss to Wyomissing on Wednesday.
"You look at the two teams out there and we're the smurfs and obviously they have a little more height than us," Hahn said.
The Spartans featured four players in their starting lineup standing at least 6-foot-3, including 6-foot-6 senior Doug Weidman. Spring Grove does not list players' heights on its roster, but it was clear that the Rockets were much more vertically challenged than the Spartans.
Even so, the Rockets managed to take a game off of Wyomissing thanks to strong defense and steady play. And with their success this year, it seems like Spring Grove is the best small team in the district.
But will that be enough to earn a PIAA tournament berth?
Spring Grove has a dangerous offensive weapon in outside hitter Bob Greiman and several players that can come up with tough digs -- five Rockets finished with three or more against Wyomissing. The key, according to Hahn, is discipline and timing with blocks to help make up for the lack of size as well as staying focused and confident throughout the match, even when behind.
The Rockets need to win two games on Friday in the consolation semifinals in order to lock up the fifth-place PIAA berth. It's the same path Spring Grove took to the state tournament last year.
"Knowing that we did it last year -- and we had more horses last year -- it's nothing new to us," Hahn said. "Our seniors have been there before.
"So I'm very confident going in, not because of a lack of competition, but just the fact that we've been in this environment and we're going to be comfortable."
