Crusader Volleyball Finishes 1-2 at USCAA Tip-Off Tournament

Monaca, PA – The Christendom College Volleyball Team began the 2024 season with the USCAA Volleyball Tip-Off Tournament in Beaver, Pennsylvania. The Crusaders went 1-1 on the first day of the tournament, Friday, August 30th, falling to Penn State New Kensington but defeating Penn State Beaver. The following day, Saturday, August 31st, the Crusaders fell again to Florida National after a tough match.

The Crusaders played their first match against the Penn State New Kensington Nittany Lions. Christendom began the set slowly, not able to gain momentum, falling to the Nittany Lions 16-25. The second set, however, brought a new intensity to the Crusaders' play. Although they were unable to take the set, the team put up a tough fight, only falling 23-25. The Crusaders continued to play aggressively and pulled away with a big win in the third set 25-17. The fourth set was close with both teams fighting for this crucial set. In the end, the Nittany Lions barely escaped with the set 25-21 to win the match over the Crusaders. Christendom's Aimee Simpson (Freshman/ Mandeville, LA) ended the match with an impressive 22 digs. 

In their second match of the day, the Crusaders secured a victory over the Penn State Beaver Nittany Lions. After a tight set, Christendom pulled away with the win 25-23. The team was unable to hold onto their momentum and lost the second set 19-25. After this loss, the Crusaders fought hard to secure the next two sets, both with a final score of 25-19 over Penn State Beaver. With these two sets, the Crusaders claimed the match 3-1 against the Nittany Lions. With 8 kills and 11.5 points in the match, Elizabeth Heisler (Sophomore/ Front Royal, VA) aided the Crusaders in their victory. 

In their final game of the tournament, the Crusaders faced Florida National on Saturday, August 31st. Although the Crusaders took the previous match in the tournament, they were unable to carry their motivation through the remaining game. The team, despite putting up impressive blocks throughout the match, lost all three sets in the match against Florida National. 

The Crusaders brought intensity to the court in the USCAA Volleyball Tip-Off Tournament this weekend. The team finished 1-2 in the tournament, gaining their first win of the season. 

Up Next: The Christendom College Volleyball team will play Penn State New Kensington in a rematch at 12:30 pm and Penn State Shenango at 4:30 pm at home on September 7.