Somerset makes significant donation to Oncology Center; takes down Central Cambria

Adam Ripple, The Daily American
·3 min read

SOMERSET -- The Somerset volleyball program has been built around tradition and success. The Golden Eagles have had instrumental leaders at the helm and talented players on the court.

The program also believes in giving back.

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Prior to its 25-13, 25-14, 25-18 sweep of Central Cambria, the team presented a $10,864.05 check to staff members of the reopened Somerset Oncology Center. The squad completes fundraising efforts and receives donations for the Oncology Center.

Because of COVID-19, the Golden Eagles have not been able to hold the annual check presentation in recent years, making Monday's festivities even more special.

"Dig For A Cure has been around for a lot of years now," said first-year Golden Eagles coach Scott Shirley, who is also the high school Principal at Somerset. "It is really a community effort. When the girls go uptown to coin, everybody is just so generous at donating money. It is a tribute to the whole community.

"The Oncology Center - what great work they do for the community. We're just so happy it is open again so the community doesn't have to travel to Johnstown or further for care. This has been a great tradition and we are glad to have it continue."

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Remaining unbeaten

With the victory, Somerset improved to 8-0 overall and 7-0 in the LHAC. The veteran club, led by seniors Shawna Walker and Shandi Walker, Gracie Bowers and Sydney Rush, has all the intangibles to win both LHAC and District 5 Class 2A gold this season. Juniors Olivia Svonavec and McKenzie Piccola as well as sophomore Abby Ledney give the Golden Eagles balance and production.

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Shawna Walker tallied 12 kills against Central Cambria while sister Shandi delivered seven kills, four blocks and six digs. Svonavec contributed seven kills, five blocks and four aces while Bowers, who has quickly become one of, if not the best setter in the county, added 30 assists.

Shirley knows he has a capable team to make a deep playoff run this season.

"We're really balanced as far as our attack goes at the net," Shirley said. "We have five girls that can really go up and change the outcome of the game. Shawna Walker is a force to be reckoned with. When she is on, she can place the ball anywhere on the court and do a lot of damage. (Monday), Liv Svonavec, in the first two sets in particular, really showed her athletic ability and was pounding the ball from the right side. If we play our game, we are a tough matchup for a lot of teams in the conference."

Shawna Walker is hoping she and her teammates can make this year a memorable one in Somerset.

"This year has been really exciting," she said. "Being undefeated is really cool. We go out there, play with excitement, encourage one another and if we keep that up, we should be good for the rest of the season."

Somerset's Shawna Walker delivers a kill during an LHAC volleyball match against Central Cambria, Sept. 26, in Somerset.
Somerset's Shawna Walker delivers a kill during an LHAC volleyball match against Central Cambria, Sept. 26, in Somerset.

The coaching change from Elizabeth "Bits" Barron, who guided the Golden Eagles to three district championships and a state runner-up finish in her six seasons, to Shirley, has been seamless.

"He always encourages us. He is a really good coach," Walker said of Shirley. "Losing Bits was a struggle, but Coach Shirley is always there for us. He knows what he is talking about. It's all good."

With lofty goals left to achieve, the Golden Eagles are keeping their eyes on the prize.

"To attain our goals, we just have to play together," Walker said. "We have to play to the best of our abilities and our highest potential. We have been playing together for a really long time. We have great chemistry together so I think if we keep that up, we will be good."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset volleyball giving back to community; sweeps Central Cambria