Penn State Shenango's Season Ends in Semifinal Heartbreaker

Penn State Shenango's Season Ends in Semifinal Heartbreaker

In a semifinal showdown, Penn State Shenango faced a tough opponent in Penn State Hazleton, ultimately falling 3-1 and concluding their season. This matchup, while disappointing, followed a season marked by significant improvement after a challenging 2-19 record in 2023. Shenango ended the season with a respectable 9-18 record and a strong 7-3 mark in conference play.

Throughout the match, several players stepped up, showcasing their growth and determination. Kylee Loreno was a standout for Shenango, leading the attack with 13 kills on 45 attempts, despite hitting .089. Cyra Cross also contributed significantly with 11 kills, while Sydney Ward added another 11, achieving a notable hitting percentage of .308.

The game saw moments of resilience, particularly in the second set where Shenango fought back to secure a thrilling 28-26 victory, demonstrating their competitive spirit. However, consistency was a challenge, with the team's overall hitting percentage sitting at .058. The first set ended narrowly at 24-26, while the third and fourth sets saw Shenango struggle, losing 15-25 and 11-25, respectively.

Defensively, Emma Murdock led the back row with an impressive 13 digs, supported by Gabby Villanueva Santos, who added 10 digs of her own. The blocking game was also a team effort, with a total of 10 blocks recorded, highlighting the team's tenacity.

Penn State Hazleton would go on to defeat Penn State Mont Alto in the conference championship, 3-1.

As the season comes to a close, Penn State Shenango can hold their heads high, reflecting on the strides made over the year. The transition from a difficult season to one filled with competitive spirit and a solid finish indicates a bright future ahead. With a strong core of players and valuable experience gained, the team looks forward to building on this foundation in the upcoming seasons.