Plum grad Megan Bologna providing much-needed leadership for young La Roche volleyball team

La Roche women’s volleyball coach Nicole Bajuszik is accustomed to having rosters that are senior- and junior-heavy. That makes this year’s group a bit more challenging for the 13th-year coach: The Redhawks have only four juniors and seniors.

The two seniors, Kalli Grine (Leechburg) and Megan Bologna (Plum), serve as team captains, and they are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to leadership.

“This is just a very different season where we are younger, kind of freshman- (and) sophomore-heavy,” Bajuszik said. “Having (Bologna) and our other captain Kalli being able to help mentor with their experience and to just kind of drive that is going to be so important.”

Said Bologna: “I definitely think I’m a more vocal type person. I try to always be encouraging. Them hearing positive reinforcement is big. … And I think (Kalli) is a very good lead-by-example … so I think it’s a good balance.”

The Redhawks took some lumps early, losing five of their first seven matches, including four in a row. But with last week’s win over Geneva, La Roche (3-6) appears to be turning a corner.

Bologna, who spent her first two seasons at Point Park, said she has been energized by being able to shepherd the young players as they get acclimated to the college game.

“I think the pace of the game was a big challenge at first,” she said about the younger players. “Obviously, attacks are coming a lot faster, serves are coming a lot harder. I think it was more of a mental challenge at first, and it even still is. But I think they’re slowly starting to overcome that.”

Bologna has had a lot to overcome herself. She missed part of her freshman season at Point Park with a broken finger. Then, during the next season, she suffered a fracture in the lower part of her spine and had to take a medical redshirt.

Weeks of bed rest followed. She was unable to even sit in class. She also had to wear a back brace 24/7.

Once she came to La Roche before last fall, she was able to shed the back brace except for games. The injury remains, and she still feels it, particularly when jumping and landing on her left leg.

“Kinda deal with it,” she said. “It will always be there. It’s definitely a challenge to play with. … But I’m just trying to make it through my last year.”

Last season, in 22 matches, she averaged 1.32 kills per set, 2.32 digs per set and served 40 aces. Through the Red Hawks’ first nine matches in 2025, she is averaging 1.44 kills per set and 2.89 digs per set.

Bologna said she worked a lot on her passing in the offseason. She said that was an area where the entire team struggled.

The extra work must have paid off, as Bajuszik called Bologna her primary passer. She also praised her versatility as a hitter.

“Her ability to have shot selection in a game is huge,” Bajuszik said. “You cannot just hit and hit and hit those same spots. You have to mix it up. You have to be confident enough to outsmart your opponent.

“She is one of those outside hitters who just comes with this toolbox of knowledge and court awareness, and it’s wonderful for our team.”

Come October, La Roche will get into the meat of its Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference schedule. Last season, the Redhawks finished 3-5 in the conference and lost in the first round of the AMCC Tournament.

And that was with a seasoned roster.

But Bologna is confident this group can continue to improve and be a factor in the postseason.

“I do think we’ll be successful,” she said. “I think we’ve learned a lot. I think we’re growing together. I think we’re playing big. And I see us definitely being competitive in the standings.”