Lions Close Conference Schedule with 3-0 Sweep
by Casey Burinskas
ALTOONA, Pa. – The Penn State Altoona women's volleyball team played its final home match and Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference match of the regular season on Tuesday night, when the Lions swept league opponent Pitt-Greensburg 3-0 in Adler Arena.
Penn State Altoona (14-11, 6-2 AMCC) took care of Pitt-Greensburg (2-25, 0-7 AMCC) by lopsided set scores of 25-15, 25-7, and 25-14 to complete its AMCC regular season schedule with a quick win. The Lions compiled a .310 attack percentage as a team, committing just eight hitting errors in the match.
Hannah Swank (Boswell, PA/Conemaugh Township) recorded a match-leading 10 points for Penn State Altoona on 10 kills. Maggie Brewer (NuMine, PA/West Shamokin) scored 9.5 points on nine kills and a block assist, and Jayden Ulmer (Williamsport, PA/Williamsport) also finished with nine points on eight kills, one solo block, and one block assist.
Julia Emel (Woodward, PA/Penns Valley) led all players in assists with 23. Marlo Mellish (Kittanning, PA/Armstrong) added eight assists, and Brooklyn Myers (Grassflat, PA/West Branch) chipped in four assists to go along with a match-high three service aces.
Ella Hadley (Spring Mills, PA/Penns Valley) led the Lions in digs with 14 while scoring six kills, and Brianna Woodring (Greencastle, PA/Greencastle-Antrim) totaled 13 digs at libero.
The Lions jumped out to a quick lead, thanks to steady serving and aggressive play at the net. Setter Emel connected early with Brewer and Ulmer to help Altoona establish a 7-4 lead. Pitt–Greensburg struggled to find rhythm against the Lions' defense, committing several attack errors and setting errors that extended Altoona's lead. Midway through the set, Altoona continued to build momentum with Swank and Brewer each putting up additional kills. At the same time, Ulmer provided a strong scene at the net with blocks that kept the Bobcats from gaining any points. Emel and Woodring attacked the defense with solid serves and digs to keep plays alive. Pitt-Greensburg attempted to rally late, stringing together a few points from kills, but Altoona held on to the lead. The Lions closed out the set behind a well-placed attack from Swank that convincingly sealed the opening set at 25-15, giving Altoona a 1-0 match lead.
The Lions came out strong to start the second set, taking advantage of early Bobcat errors and quick kills from Lia Simanski (Altoona, PA/Bishop Guilfoyle) and Brewer to set the scene for the set by staking out an 11-1 lead. Emel kept Pitt-Greensburg's defense on its toes, placing the ball efficiently to the hitters, who continued to deliver kills to push Altoona ahead. Ulmer took control at the net, while Hadley and Brewer scored from the outside. Emma Ray (Ruckersville, VA/William Monroe) also chipped in timely attacks to keep the Bobcats on their heels, while Woodring's back-row defense limited Greensburg's scoring chances. Despite a few service errors, the Lions maintained their rhythm and never allowed Pitt-Greensburg to close the gap. Altoona's energy and communication stayed strong through the final points, with Hadley hammering kills late in the set. Brewer sealed the deal with another emphatic swing, closing out the set 25-7 and letting Altoona lead 2-0.
The Lions set the tone early in the third frame, as Brewer and Swank connected on early kills from Emel to grab Altoona's first points. Altoona's offense found its rhythm quickly, with Emel running an attack and spreading the ball. Ulmer and Hadley each contributed kills to extend the Lions' early lead. Midway through the set, Altoona continued to dominate behind strong serving and steady defense, with Myers providing an instant spark off the bench, recording a service ace and assisting on several key kills. Ulmer and Morgan Fussell (Blairsville, GA/Unionville) were effective at the net, combining for blocks and attacks that kept Pitt-Greensburg on the defensive. The Lions' momentum never wavered, as Swank continued to pile up points. Emel added a service ace, while Woodring held strong in the back row to prevent any Bobcat comeback. With the Lions leading comfortably, Myers scored a late kill to get it to set point, and a Greensburg attack error secured the 25-14 win and the sweep.
Next, the Penn State Altoona women's volleyball team will finish its regular season on the road at Juniata College this Saturday, November 8 to compete in a non-conference tri-match. The Lions will face host Juniata at 12 p.m. before taking on Carnegie Mellon University at 2:30 p.m.
