(Butler, PA) All-American Josie Russo had a career-high 20 kills and nine blocks and Anora Robare tied a career-high with 31 assists in the second of two matches Saturday as the 10th-ranked Butler County Community College volleyball team opened its 2025 season with victories in BC3’s Field House.
The Pioneers swept Erie Community College, Williamsville, N.Y., in the opener 25-11, 25-7 and 25-22, then defeated Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, Ohio, 25-18, 25-14, (27-29) and 27-25.
BC3, which finished 25-2 and with its 20th consecutive winning record in 2024, was ranked No. 10 among 86 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III programs in the preseason.
Anora Robare, a setter on the Butler County Community College volleyball team, reacts during a match against Erie Community College, Williamsville, N.Y., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in BC3’s Field House on the college’s main campus in Butler Township. In background are the Pioneers’ Marissa Metzka (11) and at right, Sara Lucas (3). The Pioneers, ranked No. 10 in the nation in a preseason National Junior College Athletic Association Division III poll, won their season opener 25-11, 25-7 and 25-22.
Robare, the Pioneers’ setter, had 27 assists against Erie Community College. Russo added 11 kills, Dakota Weldon eight and Molly Bissell seven. Russo is a middle hitter and Weldon and Bissell, outside hitters.
Robare had 31 assists against Lakeland Community College, Russo had 20 kills and nine blocks, Weldon tied a career-high with 13 kills and Sara Lucas, a defensive specialist, added 16 digs.
Russo, a graduate of Freeport Area High School, and is registered nursing student at BC3. Robare, Slippery Rock, is a medical coding and billing specialist student; Weldon, Laurel, and Bissell, Slippery Rock, business administration; and Lucas, Butler, technical trades-cosmetology management option.
The Pioneers’ roster also includes Kristen Gallagher, Knoch, setter, general studies; Summer Haney, Laurel, defensive specialist, registered nursing; Emmy Fisher, Seneca Valley, opposite hitter, general studies; Maeggie Wysocki, Apollo Ridge, defensive specialist, business management; Marissa Metzka, Slippery Rock, middle hitter, general studies; and Marly Koleno, Apollo-Ridge, defensive specialist, registered nursing.
BC3 hosts Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, at 6 p.m. Tuesday.