Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Astin Saft’s name.
New Hope-Solebury senior Aubrey Turner posted up with an ace for the final point, capping the Lions’ sweep of MaST Charter in the District One 2A Girls Volleyball Championship Thursday night at Bensalem High School.
It was an ending that fit the significance of the moment as it was the icing on the cake for this senior class – Turner, along with outside hitter Lauren Savitsky and setter Anna Leasure – which just captured its third consecutive D1 crown.
“It shows that even though we lost some big hitters this year, we were able to really build the program back up,” explained Leasure moments after the big 3-0 win. “We were able to (develop) the freshmen that came in and strive for greatness.”
Those freshmen – libero Astin Saft, opposite Nora Redfield and defensive specialist Gabby McCagg – saw significant time in the D1 finale.
“They all played well tonight,” stated Leasure. “As the setter, I could have set Nora up a little more but the sets that she did get she put down well. Astin is a great libero. She did well with getting the balls that were played to her and getting them up for me.”
The Lions took the court this season without the services of outside hitters Mia Chuma (Georgetown), and Lilly Kraemer (Rochester) along with middle blocker Chloe McMillen (LSU).
Sophomore Olivia Madara has filled the role as starting middle and Savitsky has taken up a position on the left side.
Stepping up from her previous role as libero the last two years, junior Emma Viehweger blossomed into a varsity outside hitter, a role she filled before she came to New Hope-Solebury.
“I think (the transition) has gone pretty smooth,” said Viehweger. “I took a couple swings in preseason and decided to take a chance.
“I have a great connection with my setter, Anna Leasure. We’ve been playing together for a while and everything has just clicked and it’s been really fun.”
New Hope certainly looked like it was having fun in the D1 final, disposing of the Panthers in straight sets, with all three concluding with the same identical score, 25-10.
The Lions advance to face either Notre Dame Green Pond or Panther Valley in a regional qualifier for the PIAA Class 2A tournament. The team that toppled New Hope 3-2 in the regional qualifier last year, Notre Dame will take on Panther Valley on Halloween night in the District 11 Class 2A final. The regional qualifier is set for Nov. 2 at a time and place that is to be announced.
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