“From the start, we faced our share of adversity,” says Charisma Grega, who replaced father Bill as Head Coach of the Mounties during the season, “injuries, lineup changes and the natural growing pains of a team finding its rhythm, but this group never stopped showing up for each other.”

The Mounties finished 11-6 in the regular season, with a pair of losses to defending District champion Wellsboro, two to Troy, who repeated as NTL champs and won the District title this season, one to District IV/II 4A runner-up Williamsport and one to Towanda, who Liberty would top in their second meeting.

As the No. 5 seed in the playoffs, NPL faced No. 4 seed Williamson in the 2A quarterfinals. The Mounties had handed Williamson one of just three losses in their regular season match-up and repeated the victory in the playoffs to advance to face top-seeded Troy.

The Lady Trojans got their third win of the season over North Penn-Liberty, 3-1, to end the Lady Mounties season. 

“Stepping into the varsity coaching role midway through the season was both a challenge and a blessing,” says Grega, “I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but what I found was a group of young ladies with heart, grit and a willingness to grow. They learned how to compete with resilience, how to support one another through the highs and lows, and ultimately how to grow not just as volleyball players, but as people.”

The Mounties were led by their lone seniors .. Haley Litzelman and Kameron Lightner.

“Our two seniors .. Haley (Litzelman) and Kameron (Lightner) .. were the anchors through it all,” says Grega, “and both also hit career milestones this season .. Haley with her 500 kills and Kam with her 500 digs. Their impact will be felt long after they’ve graduated.”

Litzelman led the Lady Mounties with 204 kills, 32 blocks and 55 aces while adding 87 service points, 196 digs and 17 assists. 

“Haley's leadership, energy and ability to keep the team grounded were invaluable,” says Grega, “She set the tone every day with her competitiveness and love for the game.”

Lightner led NPL with 277 digs on the year and added 186 kills and 55 service points with 16 aces.

“Kam brought a steady presence and quiet strength that lifted everyone around her,” says Grega, “She led by example and showed the younger players what it means to be dedicated and team-first.”

A strong junior group included Madison Smith, who led the Lady Mounties with 308 assists and 125 service points while adding 50 kills, 44 aces and 132 digs, and Elaina Shaw, who had 211 assists, 148 digs, 62 points, 31 aces and eight blocks. 

Classmates Gabby Bubeck .. 59 kills, 71 points, 27 aces, 207 digs .. and Kendall Graham .. 38 kills, 26 digs, 14 blocks .. rounded out the Lady Mounties’ starting lineup, along with sophomore Maddy McNamara .. 40 points, 23 aces, 201 digs.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this group and the progress we made together,” says Grega, “The foundation they’ve built is strong, and with the talent and drive coming up through the program, the future is incredibly bright. I’m already excited to get back in the gym and continue building on what we started this season.”