Posted: Sep 26, 2024
In a battle for sole possession of first place in the PSUAC West, Penn State Shenango delivered a stunning upset over #3-ranked Penn State Fayette, winning in five sets (25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 18-25, 15-8) to improve their record to 5-8 overall and a perfect 4-0 in the conference.
Cyra Cross powered Shenango's offense with a match-high 14 kills on 54 attempts, finishing with a .204 hitting percentage and 15 total points. She also dominated defensively, recording a team-high 30 digs to keep Shenango in key rallies.
Kylee Loreno added five kills and 17 digs, while Sydney Ward chipped in with five kills and two blocks. Jade Shattuck was pivotal at the service line, delivering one ace and adding 9 digs, while Gabby Villanueva Santos contributed four aces to keep Fayette off balance throughout the match.
The match was a defensive grind, with Shenango registering 101 total digs as a team. Cross, Loreno, and setter Carla Ramirez Ortiz, who had 11 digs and 15 assists, anchored the back row, giving Shenango opportunities to stay competitive in extended rallies.
Penn State Shenango's victory knocks off one of the top-ranked teams in the country and moves them into first place in the PSUAC West. They'll look to continue their winning streak this Saturday in a tri-match against Penn State New Kensington and Kent State Tuscarawas.
