Fayette Lady Lions opened season with tough competition

Monaca, Pa - The Penn State Fayette volleyball team opened its season Friday in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Tip Off Tournament on the campus of Penn State Beaver, and the team dropped two hard-fought contests.

In the opener, the Nittany Lions fell to Florida National University, 3-0 (12-25, 16-25 and 16-25).

"I am proud of the girls for playing well against a D1 USCAA team," said PSUF coach Sam Swetz. "What is great about our team is how conditioned we are and kept getting stronger."

Kiki Martin (Brownsville, PA/Brownsville HS) led the team in blocks with four against FNU, Siteri Tale (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands HS) had 15 digs. 

"Kiki had a fantastic game," Swetz said. "If she continues to play this hard, she will be a USCAA All-American.

"Siteri is a fantastic all-around player and is being a true leader on the court."

In its second contest, the Nittany Lions fell to UC Clairmont, three sets to one (23-25, 25-18, 23025, and 17-25).

"It was a tough loss, but we will be ready for them in the future," said Swetz.

Siteri led the Nittany Lions with 26 digs while Chantel Porter (Cumberland, MD/Allegany HS) had 22.

Siteri also led the team with 12 kills and six blocks.

The team returns to action in the tournament Saturday with an opponent to be determined by seeding.

Written by Bill Hughes