VB sweeps Mont Alto, aiming for second straight PSUAC crown

VB sweeps Mont Alto, aiming for second straight PSUAC crown

Lemont Furnace, PA - The Penn State Fayette volleyball team moved one step closer to its second consecutive Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference championship, and 12th overall, with a sweep of Penn State Mont Alto Thursday night in quarterfinal action.

"Mont Alto is a tough team and we knew that we had a battle," said head coach Sam Swetz. "I am happy we kept to our level and took them in three sets."

Fayette (24-3), the top seed out of the PSUAC West division, swept Mont Alto (16-11), the fourth seed out of the West (25-13, 25-20 and 26-24).

Siteri Tale (Uniontown/Laurel Highlands HS) had nine kills, seven total blocks and nine digs in her last match on Fayette's home court.

Machaela Hall (Fairchance, PA/Albert Gallatin HS) added 20 digs and Jadyn Barnish (Carmichaels, Carmichaels HS) had 16 assists.

Even with the win and considered one of the best teams in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, Swetz knows the team has to get better.

"There is work to be done this weekend before the semi's on Monday at 5 PM," she said.

Fayette will face Penn State Brandywine (13-14), the second seed out of the PSUAC East, on Monday at Rec Hall in University Park.

Swetz spoke about the advantage of her team having so much experience at the legendary Rec Hall.

"I think it's a major advantage," she said. "Rec Hall is intimidating because it's where some of the greatest players in the nation have played.  The court is literally made for volleyball.  I always make it a point to say it is our home away from home because I think it makes the freshmen feel more comfortable while restoring confidence in our returners who have been there and done that.  And we can do it again."

In the only meeting between the teams this season, Fayette swept Brandywine (26-24, 25-18, 25-9) on September 28.

For more information on the volleyball team, go to https://www.psfathletics.com/sports/wvball/index.