PENN STATE ALTOONA CROWNED WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

Penn State Altoona delivered on their #1 seeding to win the 2023 women's volleyball championship on Sunday.  It is the third title in the program's history, and first since 2011.

The Lions (16-10) defeated the defending champions and #3 seed Alfred State College, 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-18).

Makenna Port led Penn State Altoona in the match with 15.5 points on 14 kills and three block assists. Lia Simanski tallied 14.5 points on 12 kills, two service aces, and a block assist while adding 17 digs. Taylor Myers recorded 14 points on 11 kills, two aces, and two block assists. Julia Emel registered 40 assists while also recording 16 digs, an ace, and a kill. 

Anna Batrus led all players in the match in digs with 26. 

Three Pioneers tallied double doubles with Racquel Gerstenberger leading the way with 19 kills and 22 digs. Next was freshman, Alayna Tomlinson who put in 10 kills and 17 digs, while Nayomie Ferrer Santiago tallied 45 assists and 25 digs.

Penn State Altona will represent the AMCC in the NCAA Division III tournament which begins next weekend.  Selections and pairings will be announced Monday.

All-Tournament Team
Penn State Altoona: Lacee Barnhart, Makenna Port  
Alfred State College: Nayomie Ferrer Santiago, Racquel Gerstenberger
Penn State Behrend:  Hannah Phillips
La Roche University:  Kalli Grine
Wells College:  Miah Williamson
Mount Aloysius College:  Molly Richards