Fayette Downs DuBois, Clinches Top Seed

LEMONT FURNACE – The Roaring Lions clinched the top-seed in next week's Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference tournament with a commanding 3-0 victory over Penn State DuBois at Fayette's Main Arena tonight.

Third-ranked Fayette (21-5, 15-0) won by scores of 25-4, 25-8 and 25-5.

After an emotional pre-game ceremony that honored Abbey Tirpak (California, Pa.) and Leah Ambrosini (Connellsville, Pa.) the Roaring Lions  broke the first game open on 12 consecutive service points including four aces, from Ambrosini.

Games two and three followed similar paths with Fayette going on long scoring runs.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Salisbury (Madison, Pa.) led the way with seven kills. Ambrosini added six and Janelle Cooper (Mt. Braddock, Pa.) and Emily Caldwell added five.

Emily Konter added 17 assists and six service aces.

In a pre-game ceremony, Fayette Athletic Director Vince Capozzi announced that at the completion of this season, Ambrosini's number will be retired.  She joins fellow former teammate Katie Sleasman and Jared Early as the only Roaring Lions to have their numbers retired.

Ambrosini, a three-time first team national All-American and PSUAC Player of the Year currently leads the nation in hitting percentage, something she has done in very year of her career.

The Roaring Lions wrap up the regular season on Sunday with a 2 p.m. match at Penn State New Kensington.

The win clinched the conference's top seed for the Roaring Lions. Tonight's win, coupled with New Kensington's loss to Beaver means that Fayette will earn a bye in the quarterfinals of the PSUAC Championship tournament. The Roaring Lions will play on Sunday, Oct. 28 at Penn State's Rec Hall. Game time to be announced.