Central Mountain Sweeps Selinsgrove on Senior Night

By Tom Elling

MILL HALL— Central Mountain made Senior Night one to remember Tuesday evening, cruising past visiting Selinsgrove in straight sets, 25-8, 25-6, 25-8, to remain unbeaten in District 6 play.

 

The Lady Wildcats improved to 12-0 in district rankings and 34-7 overall, while the Lady Seals dropped to 1-15.

 

The only thing that slowed the hard-hitting Wildcats was an unexpected pause to clean the gym floor after residue from a balloon arch caused a brief slippery spot. Once play resumed, Central Mountain dominated from start to finish.

 

Wildcats in Command

 

In the opening set, the Wildcats roared to a 13-1 lead behind strong serving from Chloe Confer and Gabby Beaubrun, each delivering multiple aces. Kylie Rauch, Allison Koch, Reese Walizer, Sofia Kelley, and Lilly Downing contributed to the all-around effort.

 

The second set was even more decisive. Kelley turned in one of her best all-around performances of the year, while Grace Grieco made the most of her time on the court by scoring four straight points off her serves. Rauch, Koch, and Downing added key points, and Beaubrun closed the set with a powerful kill.

 

In the final set, Walizer reeled off eight consecutive points from the service line, while Rauch, Beaubrun, and Downing controlled the net. Rauch showed her versatility with a soft left-handed tip for the team’s 23rd point before Central sealed the sweep.

 

Coach McCann Praises Senior Leadership

 

Head coach Chipp McCann praised his team’s progress and highlighted the importance of his senior class.

 

“We’re serving and passing a lot better,” McCann said. “I was really pleased to see all five of our seniors perform so well. Without those five, we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve enjoyed over the past couple of years.”

 

McCann pointed out the steady leadership of Sophia Hardy and Reese Walizer, both four-year contributors, and the valuable impact of Beaubrun, Downing, and Rauch.

 

“Kylie has really stepped up the past two years,” he added. “She’s gained confidence and become a true team leader.”

 

Looking ahead, McCann emphasized that Central Mountain’s program plans to reload rather than rebuild.

 

“While our seniors have been the backbone of this team, we have talent returning and coming up,” he said. “Chloe (Confer) has been solid — she works hard, is always smiling, and her attitude is contagious.”

 

What’s Next

 

Central Mountain travels to Danville on Wednesday to face a tough Ironmen squad before hosting West Branch, one of the state’s top-ranked teams, on Oct. 9.