Undefeated SS. Peter and Paul boys volleyball wins Diocesan championship

The SS. Peter and Paul boys varsity volleyball team went 12-0 in seasonal play. The team was Canisius High School volleyball and WNY Diocesan boys champions. David Hill was All-WNY MVP, and Max Roehmholdt and Jonathan Caimano were all-tournament team selections. Members of the team pictured, from left, are: front row - Mark Eberhard, Parker Reusch, Leo Lynett, Michael Piscatelli, Max Roehmholdt; back row - Alex Podgorsak, Kyle Baran, assistant coach Fran Hill, David Hill, Jonathan Caimano, assistant coach Pat Drexinger, Ben Miller; coach Mary McIntyre, Ricky Mendiola; missing from photo - assistant coach Spencer McIntyre.

The Saints Peter and Paul Knights boys varsity volleyball team did not record a regular season loss all year as they went 12-0 and finally captured the elusive Diocesan championship for the first time in school history. Coach Mary McIntyre insisted this 11-man team was very coachable and possessed a strong balance between offense and defense.

The team entered the Canisius volleyball tournament early in the year and rolled through the semifinals without a loss. Entering the finals against St. Andrews was going to be difficult since the Knights would be without four varsity players. Four sixth graders from the junior varsity team were called up to fill in and each played fantastic when called upon. Mike Piscatelli was pressed into action to fill in as setter for the entire day and did an outstanding job. In the end, the Knights came out on top to win the tournament.

Leadership had been paramount for the team all year and nothing would change heading into the Diocesan playoffs. David Hill and Ben Miller took it upon themselves to provide the team leadership. The Knights started out with a win over Nativity, needing just two games to advance to the round robin semifinal play downs.

The team suffered a setback in losing to Our Lady of Sacred Heart, however, the Knights came back the next day with a strong performance to beat St. Andrews and St. Greg's. As a result, the Knights earned the chance to play for the Diocesan championship but they would have to once again face Our Lady of Sacred Heart. The team leaders focused the 11-man squad and the Knights prevailed, 25-7, 25-15.

Senior David Hill earned the All-WNY MVP Player of the Year honors. Max Roehmholdt and Jonathon Caimano both earned all-tournament team awards.

Kyle Baran, Mark Eberhard, Leo Lynett, Ricky Mendiola, Ben Miller, Michael Piscatelli, Alex Podgorsak, and Parker Reusch rounded out the squad.