PENN ST. ALTOONA, ALFRED STATE TO CLASH IN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Top seed Penn State Altoona will meet #3 Alfred State Collete Sunday in the finals of the women's volleyball championship for a chance to advance to the NCAA tournament.

The host Lions will be aiming for their third AMCC title in team history while Alfred State has their sights set on their second straight crown.

In the first semifinal match, Altoona found themselves in an 0-2 hole against a feisty #5 seed La Roche University.  The Redhawks started with a comeback 28-26 win in set one and a more dominant effort is set two, 25-17 but saw the Lions claw back 25-14, 25-18 and finally 15-10 for a 3-2 decision.

PSA's OH Lacee Barnhart stepped up with 14 kills and 19 digs while MH Makenna Port chipped in 12 kills and 8 blocks.  L Anna Batrus had 30 digs while S Julia Emel dished 41 assists.

The Redhawks got strong performances from MH Kalli Grine (16 kills, 4 blocks), MH Quinn Hughes (11 kills, 5 blocks) and L Kenzie Kerkan (34 digs).

The second match of the evening was a one-sided affair, with the defending champion and #3 seed Pioneers toppling #2 Penn St. Behrend, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-17).

Alfred State avenged a 3-1 regular season loss to the Lions with standout performances from OH Alayna Tomlinson (12 kills, 11 digs), S Nayomie Ferrer (32 assists) and OH Racquel Gerstenberger (9 kills, 14 digs).

Behrend MH Hannah Phillips led her team with 16 kills and 7 digs, with S Meg Goodsel adding 25 assists.

The winner over tomorrow's match will claim the right to represent the AMCC in the NCAA Division III tournament.