Behrend Defeats Penn State Altoona to Win the AMCC Championship
The Penn State Behrend women’s volleyball team (26-7, 9-0 AMCC) captured the AMCC championship after defeating Penn State Altoona (21-7, 8-1 AMCC) in three straight games on Saturday, November 5. After cruising to a 30-19 win in game one, the blue and white had to pull off a come from behind 32-30 win in game two, before ending the match with another close win, 30-26.
Leading
the way for Behrend was junior Elaine Voltz (Saxonburg/Knoch) who had 14
kills, junior Lisa Wagner (New Castle/Laurel), who tallied ten kills and 15
digs, and senior Amanda Evans (Upper St. Clair/Upper St. Clair) who
lead the team with 28 assists. Karla Murray (North East/North East)
added ten digs, and freshman star Brittany Hennessy (Hopewell/Hopewell)
chipped in with ten digs and four aces.
"It was a total team effort. The players earned this championship with their hard work, focus, and dedication all season," said head coach Phil Pisano. "Everyone contributed to the win, and it was a real thrill to capture the championship in our home gym."
Bright spots for Penn State Altoona included Natalie Bonno (Pittsburgh/Thomas Jefferson), who lead the way with 16 kills, Erin Monn (Chambersburg/Chambersburg) added 11 kills, and Megan Goss (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) lead Altoona with 15 digs. Erin Shields (Hollidaysburg/Bishop Guilfoyle) lead her team with 24 assists, while sophomore Lauren McGuirk (Jefferson Hills/Thomas Jefferson) added another 19 assists.
With the win Behrend gains an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament, scheduled for Thursday, November 10. The location of the tournament, along with all-conference team honors will be announced later in the week.