Last Thursday's Section 4-AAA match between Shaler Area and Plum marked the beginning of the second half of the girls' volleyball season.

"We opened the second half much better than we did the first half," Titans coach Kris Ruppert said. "We lost, 3-1, to Plum in the first half and had 47 unforced errors. I don't want to take away credit from Plum because they played very good defense in that match, but we certainly didn't help ourselves."

Shaler rebounded with a 3-0 sweep of Plum in last Thursday's second-half opener.

"We lost to Plum at home, then beat them on the road," Ruppert said. "It doesn't happen that way very often. The difference is that we played much better in the second match."

The split leaves Shaler and Plum tied for second place in Section 4-AAA. Both teams have 5-2 section records. They trail section front-runner Penn Hills, as the Indians are unbeaten at 7-0 after they defeated Gateway, 3-0, on Tuesday.

"It's obvious that Penn Hills is the team to beat in the section," Ruppert said. "They beat us in five games in the first half. It was a great match. Fortunately, our second-half match against them is at home [next Tuesday]."

Ruppert is in her sixth season at Shaler. The Titans failed to qualify for the playoffs in her first two seasons, but captured consecutive section titles the past three years.

"It's great to see that our section is getting better," Ruppert said. "Penn Hills, Plum and Fox Chapel have very solid programs, and all three are getting better."

Shaler's slow start could be attributed to its graduation losses. The Titans lost five players from last year's squad, including four starters.

"We had only four players with varsity experience back, so it took some time for the newcomers to mature," Ruppert said.

Shaler's four experienced players are 5-foot-8 senior setter Natalie Ranallo, 6-1 junior middle hitter Alex Schmitt, 5-11 senior outside hitter Leah Stack and 5-11 senior right-side hitter Sarah Mathias.

"Natalie shared the setting duties with [graduate] Leah Petrovich last year," Ruppert said. "This year, she's running our offense by herself. Natalie has adjusted well to the change from a 6-2 to a 5-1 offense.

"Alex is as good as any other middle hitter in District 7 [the WPIAL]. Everybody has to double-block her. She is clearly the focus of our offense. Leah switched from the right side to the left side this year. Sarah suffered a broken foot in the first round of the playoffs last year, but she is now healthy."

Newcomers to the lineup are 5-5 senior libero Amanda Mc-Kenzie, 5-9 senior middle hitter Carissa Capilongo, 5-8 junior outside hitter Kim Antosz, 5-8 senior defensive specialist Liz Hack, 5-6 senior defensive specialist Sarah Roth, 5-10 junior middle hitter Leah Kuhn and 5-10 junior outside hitter Maria Tappe.

"Amanda didn't start playing until 10th grade," Ruppert said. "She's improved significantly since joining the team. She's very smart and very athletic. A big surprise.

"Kim missed last season to have an ACL repaired. It's taken some time to get her back to normal, but she's doing an admirable job."

Shaler has competed in two tournaments. The Titans won the Bishop Canevin tournament, defeating South Fayette in the title match. They also tied for third place in their own tournament, after losing to South Fayette in the title match.

"Mt. Lebanon has to be considered the team to beat in the WPIAL [in Class AAA]," Ruppert said. "They have the best depth and are very experienced. North Allegheny is also a team to watch. They always peak at the right time."

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