Penn State Mont Alto 3, Penn State Hazleton 2 (23-25, 25-21, 25-27, 25-14, 15-13)

Mont Alto volleyball overcame 1-0 and 2-1 set deficits and also a 13-10 one in set five to defeat Penn State Hazleton in the PSUAC Semifinals to advance to Tuesday's finals against Penn State York. The win sets up a rematch of last season's PSUAC and USCAA Championship in which Mont Alto won its first conference championship since 2003. With the win, Mont Alto improves to 21-8 overall.

Hazleton jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the match behind a set one win 25-23. In the second set, the score was tied 14-14 before Mont Alto took advantage and seized momentum by leading by as much as four points to win set two 25-21.

Hazleton pushed ahead two sets to one by hitting .257 compared to Mont Alto's .071 in the third set. Mont Alto made the proper adjustments heading into the fourth set, recording 14 kills on 32 attempts to take a commanding lead in set four and winning 25-14. The fourth set win set up the pivotal fifth set for a spot in the championship game.

Mont Alto trailed 13-10 late in the fifth set. Two kills from Gracie Vaughn and an attack error from Hazleton tied the score at 13-13. Vaughn would send a free ball for a kill as Mont Alto took a 14-13 lead. The next point would also go to Mont Alto as Vaughn and Mackenzie Ginder met the Hazleton attack at the net for the blocking assist.

Up Next: PSUAC Championship Tuesday 10/31 6pm @ Rec Hall vs East #1 Seed Penn State York

CHAMPIONSHIP FAN INFORMATION (REC HALL)

• Masking for spectators is optional. 
• Doors will open one hour prior to the first scheduled match of the evening. Fans should enter Rec Hall at the main entrance near the corner of Burrowes Rd. and Curtin Rd (center doors at top of steps)
• ADA accessible doors are available on the North side of Rec Hall (closest to the Nittany Lion statue)
• Parking is available in the Nittany Parking Deck, which is located adjacent to the Nittany Lion Inn on Fischer Rd., approximately 100 yards from Rec Hall.
• Concessions will be available in Rec Hall. No outside food or drink is permitted.*
• Penn State's bag policy will be in full effect. Please review the bag policy here: BAG POLICY
• Fans will be restricted to the upper level of Rec Hall (and the base of the stairs for vending machines). Access to the main floor will only be granted to participants and staff.
• CHAMPIONSHIP PARKING
  • Fans are encouraged to use either the Nittany Parking Deck or West Parking Deck, both of which are within a short walking distance to Rec Hall. Each deck charges parking by the hour. Details, including maps, are available on the link above.

Hazleton Leaders

Kills: Sydney Mack 28

Assists: Sophia Del Vacchio 54

Digs: Alayna Welsh 18

Blocks: Kayla Nothstein 4 solo, 4 assist

Mont Alto Leaders

Kills: Gracie Vaughn 17

Assists: Kylie Denlinger 52

Digs: Brooke Denlinger 16

Blocks: Gracie Vaughn 4 solo, 7 assist