Lancaster Sets High Bar Again After State Title

Overview

• Coach Becky Edwards said Lancaster has won its division and section for the past four years and enters 2026 as the reigning state champion.
• Jillian Cummins is expected to remain central to the defense after Edwards called her the backbone of that group.
• London Tallman ran a 5-1 offense last season, though Edwards said Lancaster is still deciding whether to stay in that system or move to a 6-2.
• Paige Lewandowski, an outside hitter and captain, is working to return from an injury, according to Edwards.
• Mya Mycek is a captain and a player Edwards identified as both an important contributor and a primary point scorer to watch.

Lancaster Chases Another High Standard

Lancaster enters the 2026 girls volleyball season with the standard exactly where coach Becky Edwards wants it: high.

Edwards, a Lancaster alumna who said she has coached in the program for 23 years, including 13 with varsity, said the team has won its division and section for the past four years. She also pointed to the team's newest target after a state-title season.

"As reigning State Champs, we have set the bar high, and we will work hard to reach that goal again," Edwards said. "A State title!"

That chase will come with a different look. Edwards said Lancaster graduated some big hitters, so defense is expected to be a strength while new faces work into larger roles.

"We want to be known as the team that never gives up," Edwards said. "We won't let a ball hit the floor without a body next to it. We will give 100 percent all the time."

Jillian Cummins is one of the key names in that identity. Edwards called the senior libero the backbone of Lancaster's defense, while London Tallman gives the team an experienced option at setter after running a 5-1 last season. Edwards said the staff is still deciding whether to continue with that system or use a 6-2.

Paige Lewandowski, a junior outside hitter, is another central returner. Edwards called her Lancaster's top returning player and said she is working to come back from an injury. Lewandowski and Mya Mycek are the team's captains, and Edwards identified Mycek as both an important contributor and a primary point scorer to watch.

Early Tests On The Schedule

Lancaster's season schedule starts with Portville on Sept. 2, followed by Mercy on Sept. 4 and Orchard Park on Sept. 9.

Lancaster is also scheduled for September matches with Frontier, Clarence, Hamburg, Grand Island and Williamsville North. October includes rematches with Clarence, Orchard Park, Frontier and Williamsville North, plus matchups with Eden, Victor and Depew.

Fans can follow Lancaster athletics at lhs.lancasterschools.org/athletics.