{
  "id": 4257381,
  "title": "GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: New alignment creates intriguing championship races",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/girls-volleyball-new-alignment-creates-intriguing-championship-races",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T19:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/girls-volleyball-alignment-creates-intriguing-190300163.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The upcoming girls' volleyball season in the Lackawanna League promises intense championship races. Abington Heights, last year's undefeated champion, is favored in Division I, with Blue Ridge and North Pocono expected to challenge them. Valley View, Division II's preseason favorite, will contend against West Scranton and Lakeland.\n\nHome-and-home matches between Division I teams should fuel an exciting title race. Abington Heights returns seven starters, led by last season's top scorer Alaina Krempasky with 204 kills. Hilde Temblador and Brielle Wentz, respectively, contributed 171 kills and 429 assists. Blue Ridge brings back All-Region middle blocker Abigail Gelinger, who delivered 257 kills and has 521 career kills. Mckenna Zick, with 566 assists and 1,051 career assists, is a returning second-team all-star.\n\nDivision II's Valley View has rapidly built a strong program. Layla Marino, an All-Region and Lackawanna League all-star outside hitter, leads the Cougars with 119 kills and 163 digs. Alyssa Peralta, Monica Orellana, and Emma Pienkowski add to the Cougars' offensive firepower. West Scranton and Lakeland, facing rebuilding efforts, will rely on individual talent and chemistry to contend. Valley View's Krista Demboski, Aubrey Comstock, and Kate Coviello return to bolster the team's chances.",
  "summary": "Tight races for the new divisions should make for an exciting season of girls’ volleyball in the Lackawanna League. Abington Heights, last year’s undefeated league champion, is the favorite in Division I. The Lady Comets are expected to win. Blue Ridge and North Pocono are expected to challenge the Lady Comets. Valley View gained the preseason nod in Division II. West Scranton and Lakeland are ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}