PSUGA Looks to Build Momentum in Non-Conference Battle

McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Volleyball Team (7-9, 2-3) looks to build on their recent momentum when they take on Westmoreland County Community College (2-11, 1-8) on Monday at 6 p.m. After picking up wins in all four of their games this weekend at the Penn State University Athletic Conference Crossover Tournament at PSU-Fayette, PSUGA looks to continue gaining momentum as they chase a PSUAC playoff spot.

They ended up going 2-0 in day two of the PSUAC Crossover tournament scoring back-to-back 3-0 wins over PSU-York and PSU-Scranton to move to 7-9 on the season. PSUGA battled to a 3-0 win in the first game courtesy of set wins of 25-16, 25-16, and 25-12 over York before fighting to another 3-0 win over PSU-Scranton with set wins of 25-20, 25-12, and 25-21 to move to 7-9 overall.

Alix Ellis (Derry, Pa./Derry Area HS) continued her strong showing this season with a team leading 19 kills between the two games on 32 total attack opportunities. Kaylee Holtzman (McKeesport, PA./McKeesport HS) also proved successful offensively with 13 kills on 25 total attacks between the two games. Holtzman and Ellis have become the two headed monsters offensively with both girls getting plenty of offensive opportunities and taking advantage of their success.

Another player who has stepped up is freshman Juliana Brill (Mount Jackson, VA./Stonewall Jackson HS). Since stepping in as libero she has done a brilliant job with 25 digs in her last two games. After serving as a defensive specialist early in the season, injuries have moved her to libero where she has fully taken on the role and been a key defensive player for PSUGA. Rebecca Linn (McKeesport, PA./McKeesport HS) has also stepped up big defensively with four digs and five service aces over her last two games.

Despite taking on PSUAC opponents over the weekend, none of the wins are credited to PSUGA’s conference record, so they still sit at 2-3 in conference play. With two more non-conference matchups against WCCC and Butler County Community College this week, it will give them a chance to get a tune up before heading back into conference play.

WCCC enters Monday’s contest having dropped their last two games including four of their last five games. Their last time out saw them take on Penn State DuBois where they lost 3-0 by set scores of 25-6, 25-15, and 25-15. Emily Oswald led the way for WCCC with two kills on eight total attacks in the loss.

The all-time matchup between these two teams has been close with WCCC holding a slight advantage over PSUGA with a 6-5 record. PSUGA picked up two wins against the Wolfpack last season defeating them 3-1 at home and 3-2 when they went on the road. Former Lion Marina Selmi led PSUGA in the first match of the year last season with 11 kills on 24 total attacks.

Tip-off for Monday’s game against Westmoreland County CC is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be played inside the gym located on the main campus.