Exeter 6'8 senior and PSU commit Gaige Gabriel

Exeter and Manheim Central were both undefeated entering the District 3-2A volleyball championship. The Eagles had only lost one set in 22 matches. The Barons had dropped just three sets all season. Exeter is the top team in Berks County, while Manheim Central brought home the Lancaster-Lebanon League title this spring. It was a dream matchup in Reiffton on Thursday night. When the dust settled, the top-seeded Eagles were hoisting their first District 3 trophy since 2007. "It feels amazing. This is what we work for," Gaige Gabriel told Paul Roberts of SV Sports. Exeter swept the third-seeded Barons 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-18). The first set was tied 19-19 before the Eagles pulled away. Manheim Central jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the second set. "We're gonna face adversity every single game. We just gotta keep working," said Gabriel. Exeter stormed back to take the second set which was a turning point in the match. "I'm sure they saw that they're not messing with some average team. I think they saw what we're capable of," noted Gabriel. The 6'8 senior finished with a team-high 15 kills. The Penn State commit added four blocks and three aces. Jack Forry, who surpassed 2,000 career assists this season, piled up 35 assists. Chase Nugent chipped in with nine kills and four blocks. Gabriel, Forry, and Nugent are three of the seven seniors on the Eagles' roster. "We've been playing with each other and been friends since I can remember. It's so fun," emphasized Gabriel. Tyler Campbell, a 5'11 junior, provided 16 digs as Exeter improved to (23-0). The (17-1) Barons were searching for their second District 3 crown. Both squads are headed to the state tournament. "It's gonna be tough, but I'm very confident," said Gabriel. The Eagles host Masterman from Philadelphia at 6pm on Tuesday.