Jul 2, 2024 2 min read

The Canon-McMillan girls volleyball team advanced to the WPIAL Class 4A championship match and the PIAA quarterfinals. One reason for the Big Macs’ success was the powerful hitting of Natalie Carr.

The sophomore outside hitter was a force at the net and a strong defensive player. She was an overpowering force for the Big Macs, who finished with a 16-5 record.

Carr garnered all-section and all-WPIAL honors and joined teammate Abby Tucker, a junior middle hitter, on the all-state team. The duo should make Canon-McMillan a WPIAL title contender again next season.

Canon-McMillan cruised to a section championship and then defeated Penn-Trafford in the quarterfinals and second-seeded Seneca Valley in the semifinals, both by 3-1 scores, to reach the championship match against North Allegheny. The Tigers won in four games.

Against Penn-Trafford, Carr had 22 kills and 13 digs and followed that with 11 kills against Seneca Valley.

In the PIAA tournament, the Big Macs defeated District 6 champion State College in straight sets as Carr had 16 kills, six digs and two aces.

The Big Macs were eliminated in the state tournament by District 3 winner Hempfield, despite 15 kills by Carr.

Carr is preparing for next season by playing the sport year round. She is in her seventh year of playing for the Pittsburgh Elite volleyball club in Emsworth and has participated in several USA Volleyball National Team Development programs. She is currently ranked the No. 32 player nationally in the Class of 2026 by one scouting service.

“We have tournaments all over the country and can qualify for nationals,” Carrsaid. “I also play outside hitter for my club team, so I don’t have to worry about switching positions.”

HONOREES

Kali Holmes, sophomore, Peters Township

Julietta Leroux, sophomore, South Fayette

Kasie Meek, senior, West Greene

Maddy Roberts, senior, Trinity

Grace Triebsch, senior, Upper St. Clair

Abby Tucker, junior, Canon-McMillan