The Norwin boys volleyball team hosted a 12-team tournament Saturday, and the Knights came within one game of taking the title.
Bethel Park earned the tournament championship with a 25-23 victory over Norwin in the finals.
"We played well throughout the day and used 11 guys in different roles," Norwin coach Al Warden said.
"We realize that we have the potential to be a quality team in the area but must play better defense, which starts with the block. And we need to come up with a better serving strategy and then execute that strategy."
Norwin (1-0), which won a non-section game over Baldwin, 3-0, last week, lost just one game in pool play to Hempfield Area. The Knights then defeated Thomas Jefferson in the quarterfinals and Penn-Trafford in the semifinals, 25-21.
Then in the finals, Bethel Park took a 9-3 lead and managed to pull away to 20-14, but Norwin rebounded to make the match competitive down to the wire.
"They jumped out to the lead with a very balanced attack, scoring points on us because of no blocking or defense on our part," Warden said.
Norwin fought back with Cody Schropp's jump serve and Matt Ferragonio's serving to make the score 23-24. When Norwin blocked, however, Bethel Park was able to transition the block into a good swing and the kill for the two-point win.
Warden said Bryan Guzewicz set well throughout the day and continues to improve and find the right hitters at the right time.Warden also cited solid play from outside hitter Tyler Rupert and Ian Mikrut in the middle.
"We found out that the section is going to be tough, as both Hempfield and Penn-Trafford have very good players and competed well throughout the day," Warden said.
Also competing in the tournament were Butler, Baldwin, Deer Lakes, Schenley, South Park and Elderton.
In last week's victory over Baldwin, Alex Dennison was the hitting leader with seven kills. Mikrut added five kills at middle hitter.
"It was nice to start the season off with a win and have two middle hitters do so well," Warden said.
Norwin was scheduled to host Woodland Hills last night, Tuesday, but results were unavailable at press time. The Knights' next contest will be tomorrow at Penn Hills, at 7:30 p.m.