COAL TOWNSHIP - Due to a scheduling error, Lourdes volleyball, which co-ops with Mount Carmel Area, will not be permitted to play in the Schuylkill League tournament this week, Lourdes Regional Athletic Director Mike Klembara told The News-Item in a phone call Monday night.
Because the Red Raiders played in two tournaments in the regular season, along with 20 regular season games, which is in violation of PIAA rules, they will have to forfeit their last two match victories over Panther Valley and Schuylkill Haven. It was those victories that ultimately qualified the Raiders for the league playoffs.
The decision was reached during a District 4 meeting at Warrior Run on Monday. Klembara said Lourdes fully accepts the district's decision, and notified the other teams affected.
Panther Valley, which finished second to the Red Raiders in Division II of the Schuylkill League will take their place in the league tournament on Wednesday at Martz Hall.
Panther Valley coach Nancy Filer confirmed Monday night that her team has been contacted and will meet Marian Wednesday night in the league semifinals.
The Red Raiders will still be permitted to compete in the District 4 Class AA tournament for the right to play in the state playoffs, although they'll be going in with a 13-7 record instead of the 15-5 mark they posted during the regular season.
"The fault is all mine," Klembara said. "I feel very badly for the girls, both at Lourdes and Mount Carmel."
The district bracket is expected to be released later this week.