Exeter 6'8 junior and PSU commit Gaige Gabriel

The Exeter boys volleyball team won the Division 1 championship a season ago, but Gov. Mifflin took home the Berks County title.  That snapped the Eagles' streak of three straight BCIAA crowns.  Exeter was upset by Wilson 3-1 in the county semifinals.  "We had a chip on our shoulder ever since last season. We really want to get back to where we were," said 6'8 junior and Penn State commit Gaige Gabriel.  The Eagles were looking forward to an early season showdown with the Mustangs in Reiffton.  Exeter swept Gov. Mifflin 3-0 on Tuesday (29-27, 25-18, 25-23).  The Eagles rallied from a six-point deficit in the first set.  "I was in a little slump and my teammates helped me get out of that. Chase stepped up and he did great," noted Gabriel.  Chase Nugent, a junior outside hitter, is a captain this year along with Gabriel.  They combined for 21 kills against the Mustangs.  Gabriel had a team-high 13 kills and two blocks.  Jack Forry added 28 assists and sophomore Tyler Campbell provided eight digs.  Exeter improved to (4-0) with a 3-0 victory over Conestoga Valley on Wednesday.  Gabriel, who piled up 333 kills as a sophomore, is also a member of the U19 national team.  Team USA went unbeaten at the Pan American Cup in Guatemala last month.  "It was awesome. The atmosphere at the games and everything was so sick. The coaching staff helped me a ton," remarked Gabriel.  He told Paul Roberts of SV Sports that the competition was intense.  "Nothing can prepare you for that," said Gabriel.