University Park, PA – October 27, 2025
The Penn State Shenango Lions continued their incredible conference run on Monday night, securing their place in the PSUAC Championship with an impressive 3–1 victory over Penn State Mont Alto (26-24, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18) inside Recreation Hall at University Park. The win pushes Shenango's record to 14-8 overall.

From the opening serve, it was clear both programs were playing for something bigger than just a win. Mont Alto came out swinging, but Shenango's relentless energy and balanced attack proved too much to handle. Led by freshman standout Taylor Burns, who tallied 14 kills and two block assists, the Lions edged out a thrilling first-set battle, 26-24. In the second set, the momentum continued as Savana Shipman delivered powerful swings and clutch serves to help Shenango pull ahead 25-22 and take a commanding two-set lead. Shipman finished the match with 13 kills, three aces, and 15 digs.

Mont Alto refused to go quietly, taking advantage of a few Shenango miscues to steal the third set 25-18, forcing the Lions to reset and regroup. What followed was pure championship-caliber volleyball. Behind the leadership of setter Jadeyn Zepeda, who recorded 39 assists in the match, and the steady play of Sydney Ward (10 kills) and Izzy Mauro (11 kills, two blocks), Shenango stormed back in the fourth set. The Lions' front line applied relentless pressure, while defensive specialists Jillian Palumbo and Gabby Villanueva Santos kept plays alive with crucial digs and timely serves. Shenango sealed the match 25-18, sending their bench and fans into celebration as they clinched their long-awaited berth in the PSUAC Championship.