Lions set for nationals
Volleyball Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, fresh off its PSUAC title, will open team pool play in the USCAA National Volleyball Championships Thursday afternoon against Southern Virginia University. The Lady Roaring Lions, ranked sixth nationally, play Southern Virginia University at 3:30 p.m. at the Mid-America Sports Complex in Louisville, Ky., and then return to the court at 5 p.m. against Talladega College. Pool play continues on Friday at 10 a.m. as Penn State Fayette plays defending USCAA champion Florida College. Opening round action closes against Rochester College at 11:30 a.m. The Lady Roaring Lions lost to Rochester College, 3-2, earlier in the season at the Penn State Beaver Invitational.
Zavatchen honored
Bethany (W.Va.) College freshman and Laurel Highlands graduate Jessica Zavatchen was named the PAC Volleyball Player of the Week as she helped the Bison finish the final week of the regular season with a 2-1 record.
Zavatchen averaged 31 assists and 11 digs in the three matches, including 32 assists and nine digs in a 3-1 loss to Washington & Jefferson. She had a fine effort in a triangular sweep of La Roche and Grove City with 61 assists, 22 digs and five kills.
Football PAC picks Cree
Waynesburg University junior and Waynesburg Central graduate Troy Cree was named the PAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Grove City. The linebacker had a game-high 16 tackles, including nine solo efforts. Cree recovered a fumble and broke up a pass.
Soccer Heister recognized
California University of Pa.’s Amanda Heister was selected the PSAC-West Athlete of the Week for the second time in three weeks after she helped the Vulcans to the program’s first division crown.
The senior forward scored four goals and added an assist in wins over Indiana (Pa.) and Clarion. She had a four-goal game in a 4-0 win over the Crimson Hawks, and moved atop the career goal list with 42. Heister assisted on the game-winning goal in a 4-0 win over Clarion.
Heister has a team-high 17 goals and 38 points this season.
The Vulcans open the PSAC tournament at home against Gannon today at 1 p.m.