Sports

The Spartan Volleyball team ended their season with a record of 13-6. The team, led by senior co-captains Jamie Noonan and Julie Spinelli, made it to the first round of WPIAL playoffs where they fell short to Eden Christian Academy. 

“It was really fun getting to be captain, especially with Jamie. I think we made a good duo and we had a great season,” Spinelli said. 

The team stepped it up from previous years regarding section play. 

Spinelli said, “We had some big wins against teams like Leechburg, who we have never beaten in the past. The volleyball team just keeps getting better every year.” 

Last year, the team only had three section victories, and were one game short of a playoff spot. 

Noonan said, “I’m really proud of the team for making the playoffs. We worked really hard to get to that point.”

Picking up that playoff spot was huge for the Spartans. With the addition of a new coach this year, the Spartans had a fresh perspective to help them.

“It was the first time in my four years that we ever made the playoffs,” Noonan said. “I think you have a lot of fun when a coach believes in you.” 

The team focused on positivity and energy which led to success. 

“I enjoyed that it wasn’t super stressful, we just had fun at the games and there wasn’t a lot of pressure with what we did,” Spinelli said.

By Noah Lynd '24

Another season of golf is in the books.  The Co-ed Golf Record was 3-11 this year. For the second year, the golf coach was David Anater, the school's guidance counselor. 

Anatar said, "One challenge was starting our season before the school year. There were issues with getting people there,  getting the team organized, and establishing routines." 

Last year the team did not have a coach until Anater stepped into that position.  

"I did not want my unwillingness to coach to be the reason a kid does not play a sport," Anater said.  "I wanted to share my love for golf with our students." 

Despite some struggles the team had success this season too.

Anater said, "The golfers this year did a good job of not losing sight of their own individual goals. We had a positive group."

The Spartan Co-Ed Soccer team had a challenging season, with a record of 2-15, but despite their losses they kept their spirits up. While many of their games ended without a goal, they did not give up and stayed positive on the field. 

David Schratz, '25 said, "The season had its ups and downs.  Some games were rough, particularly as a goalie.  However, the team managed to keep a sense of humor through those times, which made it much more enjoyable."

The season didn't end in the Spartans favor, but that did not stop them from making the best of the time. 

"It was fun to experience new things," said Gabe Maltese '25.

Throughout the season, home games were played at Freeport Park, where the Spartans beat Leechburg.

"Even though we were undermanned this season, we all made the best of the situation and dedicated our season to having a fun time. As a team, we all expressed our perseverance by never giving up and making it our goal to score while bonding together," Dylan Ferrante '25.

The team had a rough season, but they grew closer. Playing a sport helps underclassmen bond with upperclassmen.

Luca Schiano di Cola '25 said, "The results were not as important as our development." 

By Anna Kreinbrook '24 and Chloe Damico '27

After falling short of playoffs last year, the Spartan volleyball team was eager to improve and develop their skills. Returning assistant coach Leslie Giannetta got open gyms running by late July, and new head coach Ann McCarthy joined her shortly after. 

“I was nervous at first. I didn’t know if I had time to give you all what you needed this season because I’m working, and I’m also in graduate school,” McCarthy said.

As she settled in, the girls created a positive environment and built up their confidence. 

McCarthy said, “I don’t want anything less than playoffs. And not only making it to playoffs, I want to win.” 

This high expectation gave the girls something to work towards. Their hard work paid off. Recently, the Spartans solidified their playoff spot and are excited to compete.

“It’s been one of the best sports experiences in my career,” McCarthy said. 

Another new coach, Dominic Ferrante, lead our Spartan Co-ed soccer team with good spirits. He graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 2019. Then, he continued his schooling at Saint Vincent College. He played soccer throughout his high school career.

“I like soccer, and it fun to be around the team,” Ferrante said.

He pushed the team to do their best, and to just have fun.  He led the season with a positive attitude no matter what happened.  

“It’s honestly kind of surreal. I did not think I would be back here,” Ferrante said.

Most athletes play a sport all four years of high school. Senior night is a  special time to recognize the senior players and the great accomplishments they have done. Although it is hard to send the seniors off, they are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives. 

Junior volleyball players decorated the gym with a poster of each senior volleyball player. The stands were filled with family and friends who came to support the seniors, and the student section were decked out in their best neon colors. Nick Sarno '24 announced each senior, their position, who inspired them, advice, and memories. 

“I will miss the opportunity to be part of a supportive and dedicated team and the whole environment at the games, such as the student section. I will also miss the team bonding experiences and the locker room pregame dance parties and hair circles,” said senior Michaela Peratt. 

The seniors all started the game and played throughout the whole first set. They defeated the Riverview Raiders with a score of  3-0. 

“I feel sad that I won’t be able to experience high school volleyball again, but I am grateful to have had such a supportive team and opportunities throughout my four years at Saint Joe’s,” said Peratt. 

The senior soccer night started with kickoff against Springdale around 4:00 p.m. on October 12. They played a hard fought game, but lost. After the game, the Spartans gathered around to watch the senior ceremony.  Freshman Mary Huth announced each player and their positions, who inspired them, along with advice and memories. 

Connor Jyachosky, a senior on the soccer team, said, “I think it’s a good way to send off the seniors from their sport.”

Following the ceremony there was a team pizza party in the pavilion near the field. Luca Schiano di Cola '25 shared comments about senior captain, Charlie Ross. 

Schiano di Cola shared funny memories of Ross always missing the ball and how he did not expect him to play soccer because he never really liked the sport. He added how Ross was always there to support the team, even if they weren’t doing that great. 

“I’m happy that it's over. I have had three coaching changes and little support in skill development, so the fondest memories I have aren't of winning, they are just of being around my teammates,” senior Charlie Ross said. 

Junior David Schratz spoke about senior Connor Jyachosky. Schratz remembered how Jyachosky was known as “Cooper” and his positive impact on the team because of his attitude during the games. 

“It makes me sad knowing I can’t come back to this sport at the beginning of every school year, but I know I’ll still continue to play the soccer,” said Jyachosky.