By Michael Boytim

mboytim@altoonamirror.com

TYRONE — After a spirited back-and-forth first set and a half, State College pulled away from Altoona in a 25-17, 25-13, 25-10 sweep in the District 6 Class 4A championship game on Tuesday at Tyrone Area Middle School.

“Hats off to State College,” Altoona coach John Saboe said. “They did a fantastic job tonight. They brought their ‘A’ game and showed why they have been in the top 10 all season.”

The Lady Spikers went ahead early in each of the first two sets, but State College took control in the first when Brynn Lally had five straight service points, including a pair of aces, that were capped off by Jessica Campbell’s kill that made it 13-9 State College.

Altoona hung around until State College scored the final three points of the set and Campbell finished it with another kill.

Campbell did her damage with her serve in the second set, scoring five straight service points, including four aces. She finished with a team-high 18 service points just ahead of Lally’s 17.

Campbell started the third set with four straight points, and State College — which also got some players back from injury on Tuesday — never looked back.

“Last night was the first time Sarah Tate has been able to practice in three weeks,” State College coach Dennis Hohenshelt said. “Miley McLaughlin practiced for the first time in six weeks yesterday. We had a lot of moving parts trying to work those two back in. We have practiced really well despite a long break, and I think we’re still figuring it out and that our best volleyball is still ahead of us.”

Sami Page had a team-high four service points for the Lady Spikers, who finished 4-13.

“We have had a fantastic group of kids,” Saboe said. “The girls have worked really hard all season. Sami Page, Ellaina Saylor, Karinna Wolfe and Ava Steinbugl have served as captains for us this season and done everything we have asked them to do. They are four tremendous young ladies who are going to go on and do great things in life. We’re excited for them and what the future holds. One game isn’t an indication of what they are capable of doing. I’m proud of what they have contributed to our program.”

Junior Annie Yost led Altoona in kills and had several blocks that helped keep the Lady Spikers close early.

“We have some good underclassmen who I think are going to be good contributors moving forward,” Saboe said. “We have a couple good underclassmen on the court, and we have some backups that we’re ready to put on the court next season.”

Tuesday’s loss wrapped up a season full of tough competition, which included two regular season losses to State College.

“Everyone will tell you the Mid Penn is a minefield,” Saboe said. “You have to bring your ‘A’ game every night. The Cumberland Valleys, Chambersburgs, State Colleges and Central Dauphins are good programs with fantastic athletes.”

SERVICE POINTS

ALTOONA: Page 4, Saylor 3, Wolfe 2, Kelly 2, Steinbugl 1, Bower 1.

STATE COLLEGE: Campbell 18, B. Lally 17, Haskins 6, He. Woskob 3, E. Lally 2, Tate 1, MacNeely 1.

Records: Altoona (4-13); State College (12-2).