Hazleton Area Cougars outlast Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack in WVC volleyball thriller

Cougars remain unbeaten after 3-2 victory in high-intensity conference matchup

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a thrilling Wyoming Valley Conference boys' volleyball match, the undefeated Hazleton Area Cougars defeated the visiting Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack by a score of 3-2. Standout player Kendrick Ortiz led the Cougars with an impressive stat line, recording 26 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 27 digs, and 12 service points with 3 aces.

Why it matters

This victory keeps the Hazleton Area Cougars undefeated on the season and solidifies their position as a top contender in the highly competitive Wyoming Valley Conference. The intense matchup between these two local rivals showcases the high level of talent and competitiveness in the region's boys' volleyball scene.

The details

In a back-and-forth affair, the Cougars and Wolfpack battled through five sets before Hazleton Area emerged victorious. Ortiz's dominant performance was a key factor in the Cougars' win, as he consistently delivered kills and made plays on both offense and defense.

  • The match took place on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Kendrick Ortiz

A standout player for the Hazleton Area Cougars, Ortiz led his team to victory with an impressive stat line including 26 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 27 digs, and 12 service points with 3 aces.

Hazleton Area Cougars

The undefeated boys' volleyball team from Hazleton Area High School, who emerged victorious in this thrilling 3-2 match against their conference rivals.

Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack

The boys' volleyball team from Wilkes-Barre Area High School, who put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short against the unbeaten Hazleton Area Cougars.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our team showed a lot of heart and determination to come out on top in this intense match. Kendrick really stepped up and led the way for us.”

— Coach Mike Smith, Head Coach, Hazleton Area Cougars

What’s next

The Cougars will look to continue their undefeated season as they prepare for their next conference matchup against the Pittston Area Patriots on April 7th.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases the talent and competitiveness of boys' volleyball in the Wyoming Valley Conference, as two local rivals battled it out in an intense 3-2 thriller that came down to the wire.