Monaca, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Volleyball team got its first taste of conference action when it took on Penn State Beaver as part of day two of the USCAA Tip-Off tournament at Penn State Beaver. The ladies would pick up their first set win of the year but it wasn’t enough as they eventually fell to Beaver three matches to one.

Penn State Beaver took the first two sets of the day by scores of 25-16 and 25-12 as they used a strong attack from their hitters to go up two sets to none on Greater Allegheny. Then, Greater Allegheny fought back and was able to take the third set by the score of 25-22 after playing great defense and creating chances for their offensive attack. However, it would be Penn State Beaver who came back to take the fourth and final set by the score of 25-13 ultimately defeating Greater Allegheny.

In total on the day, the Greater Allegheny ladies recorded 20 kills, 8 blocks, 12 digs, and four service aces. While the ladies did fall in all three matches that they played this weekend, it gave the young core a chance to play together and find out what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are. The ladies were able to take their first set of the season and will look to bring that momentum through the rest of the season.

First year head coach Alyssa Finocchi and her team now fall to 0-3 on the season through their first three matches, however, none of those games count in conference play. The Greater Allegheny volleyball team is returning just two of last year’s everyday starters in senior Laura Vazquez Diaz (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Cupey Maria Montessori) and sophomore Hayley Maksin (Port Vue, Pa./South Allegheny). Coach Finocchi is trying different pieces to see who best fits into her starting lineup for the rest of the season.

Greater Allegheny volleyball now gets set for their first home match of the season on Thursday September 7^th when they take on Westmoreland County Community College at 7 p.m. in the Wunderly Gymnasium. They start conference play on Tuesday September 19^th when they travel to Penn State Beaver at 7 p.m.