Aug 25, 2025 By Jerin Steele 4 min read

One set separated the Canon-McMillan girls volleyball team from making a return trip to the WPIAL Class 4A final last season.

The Big Macs lost 3-2 to North Catholic, which brought the end to fantastic careers for Abby Tucker, Lilly Thornbury, Sophia Powell and Cali Dagen.

Losing four seniors like that can be tough on any program, but for Canon-McMillan the cupboard isn’t bare.

Led by Youngstown State commit Natalie Carr, there’s a new group of seniors wanting to keep the success rolling. That starts with trying to win a fourth consecutive section title before competing for a WPIAL championship.

“We’ve had all the scenarios,” Canon-McMillan coach Shiela Mitchell said. “We’ve been to the (WPIAL) finals. We’ve been to the semis. We’ve been to states with these seniors, so they know what it feels like, and they want to finish it.”

Carr is the Big Macs’ outside hitter and leader. She’s been an All-WPIAL performer since her sophomore year. The vicious swings she takes to rack up kills are important, but Mitchell said Carr’s volleyball IQ is equally impressive.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge about the game,” Mitchell said. “We always talk about how that’s a huge thing to have that court awareness and know what’s happening on the other side. She can predict what they’re going to bring over the net. Not only that, but she’s been a really strong leader. She’s worked with the newer girls and has worked to bring them to the standard she holds for herself and the team.”

Another returning starter is junior Journee Scott, who is the opposite or right side hitter. Scott gives the Big Macs multiple avenues of attacking, so opponents can’t just focus their block on Carr.

“She was a main part of our team last year that really helped us,” Mitchell said. “She’ll be a pin hitter for us again this year. She’s really improved and has great confidence going into the season that we are excited about.”

Carson Brown, a senior, is the setter. She was the second setter in the rotation and will move up to the No. 1 spot.

Cheyenne Stipetich worked primarily as a serving specialist last year, but will work as a defensive specialist this year as well. Fellow senior Amanda Ciolli is also a defensive specialist or libero.

Mitchell said Lilly Harris, a senior, has made great strides as a hitter, giving the Big Macs another attacking option.

“We lost a great class, but we had a group of juniors behind them who are now seniors that has varsity experience,” Mitchell said. “Obviously, it’s nice to have any type of experience, especially with such a great senior class we had before them. It’s a great thing in my opinion and something we hope to capitalize on with those girls that are really familiar with the game.”

Mitchell, who’s entering her 15th season coaching at Canon-McMillan, is also excited about her current juniors, who are stepping in to fill some spots left behind by the graduated players.

The Big Macs will once again be the hunted in Class 4A, Section 1. Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon, Baldwin and Bethel Park are the other teams in the section.

Canon-McMillan finished unbeaten in section play last year. This season’s section opener is at Mt. Lebanon, Sept. 9. The Big Macs begin play with a nonsection match against South Fayette tonight.

“Every team each year gets more and more challenging,” Mitchell said. “Everyone has their eyes set on the prize, and since we’ve had it the last three years, they want to take it away. We can’t be complacent and rest on what we’ve done in the past and push forward to get it again this year. It’s a whole new year.”