LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Shepherd University and Gannon University women’s volleyball teams were selected as preseason favorites in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women’s Volleyball Preseason Polls, as voted on by the conference’s coaches.

Eastern DIvision
 
The Shepherd Rams were voted No. 1 in the 2025 PSAC Eastern Division Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll and tallied four first-place votes. The Rams finished the 2024 regular season undefeated in conference play at 14-0 (24-6 overall) and return plenty of talent from that team, including All-PSAC East First Teamers Rylee Lenz (250 kills) and Sophia Ryan (239 kills). Amya Davis (237 kills) and setter Macy Buso (1,025 assists and an All-PSAC East Second Team honor) are also back.

The No. 2 team in the 2025 East poll is East Stroudsburg (two first-place votes), who finished 2024 with a conference record of 9-5 and an overall record of 20-8. Two-time reigning PSAC East Athlete of the Year Anna Coulter is back to follow up on a season that saw her lead the East in hitting percentage (.438), kills (360), kills per set (3.75), points (488), and blocks per set (1.46).

The Shippensburg Raiders are No. 3 in this year’s poll and received a pair of first-place votes. Ship was 11-3 in conference play and 17-13 overall and returns plenty of talent, including PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year Shay Kolivoski, All-PSAC East First Team setter Kearstin Davis, and middle blocker Isabelle Bombas (210 kills, 66 blocks.)
 
No.4 Bloomsburg, No. 5 Millersville, No. 6 West Chester, No. 7 Lock Haven, and No. 8 Kutztown complete the remainder of the 2025 East poll.
 
Western Division
 
The Gannon Golden Knights sit atop the 2025 PSAC West Division Preseason Poll for the third consecutive season after collecting four first-place votes. The team finished 2024 with a West-leading record of 13-1 (26-8 overall) and return setter Bengisu Arslan (a PSAC-best 1,276 assists last season), outside hitter Carissa Treser (245 kills) and middle blocker Lauren Atwell (160 kills, 147 blocks.)

The defending PSAC champion IUP Crimson Hawks are the No. 2 team in the 2025 West Poll and received three first-place votes. IUP went 10-4 in conference play last season (24-9 overall) and return PSAC West Freshman of the Year Jessica Neiman, who tallied 298 kills to lead the team in 2024. Outside hitter Delaney Concannon (190 kills) and middle blocker Rylee Brown (147 kills, 93 blocks) also return.
 
The Clarion Golden Eagles were voted the No. 3 team in the West poll. The Golden Eagles will have to replace one of the best players in PSAC history after the graduation of Cassidy Snider, but Finley Kearney (140 kills, 81 blocks) and Emily Klopp (175 kills, 69 blocks) are back to shore up the middle of the court.

The No. 4 team in the West’s preseason poll, Seton Hill, compiled a 19-9 overall record (8-6 PSAC) last season and garnered a single first-place vote. The Griffins should return All-PSAC West First Team selection Catie Flohr (302 kills in 2024).

No. 5 Pitt-Johnstown, No. 6 Edinboro, No. 7 Slippery Rock, and No. 8 California round out the rest of the 2025 West poll.
 
The 2025 PSAC women’s volleyball season kicks off in full on Friday, September 5.
 

2025 PSAC Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll (# of first-place votes in parentheses)
 
Eastern Division
 
1. Shepherd (4)
2. East Stroudsburg (2)
3. Shippensburg (2)
4. Bloomsburg
5. Millersville
6. West Chester
7. Lock Haven
8. Kutztown
 
Western Division
 
1. Gannon (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Clarion
4. Seton Hill (1)
5. Pitt-Johnstown
6. Edinboro
7. Slippery Rock
8. California

NEW YORK – Columbia volleyball head coach Patric Santiago is pleased to officially announce three newcomers to the 2025 roster on Wednesday. The class features a pair of attacking players and a libero.

“We are excited for this class to compete with us this season,” Santiago said. “They were heavily recruited early and we’ve been patiently waiting for them.  Now we finally get to see them play in Levien.”

Details on this season’s incoming class are below. Fans can access the complete Columbia volleyball roster by clicking this link.

Columbia Volleyball Class of 2029

LAUREN FARRIS – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6’0″ – CC – SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC – FY – TRABUCO CANYON, CALIF.

PRIOR TO COLUMBIA

A three-time letter winner for head coach Katy Daly and the Eagles … named a three-star recruit by Volleyball Recruiter … led the Eagles to a 25-15 overall record and a No. 19 ranking in the state of California her senior year … very active on the club scene … played for Tstreet Volleyball Club from 2018-25, the top ranked club program in Orange County … named to the All-Tournament Team at the JVA West Coast Cup in 2023 … Named a Day 1 Showstopper at JVA West Coast Cup by Volleyball Recruiter … twice a Tstreet Volleyball Club Player of the Month.

PERSONAL

Enjoys reading, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, workout classes, and playing pickle ball … favorite sports memory was getting second place at the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier in the Open Division in 15u … father, Kristopher, played football at UCLA where he won the Outland Trophy and played in the NFL for the Steelers, Bills, and Falcons … plans on majoring in economics.

COACHES QUOTE

“Lauren, who comes from one of the best clubs in the country, is a player who brings a great deal of attributes. She is a complete player with command of all six skills and possesses a wonderful arm and tremendous serve. She is a quiet no nonsense competitor who is focused on getting better everyday and the success of her team. We are so excited to see what she will add to our gym.”

 

VICTORIA GAO – LIBERO – 5’6″ – CC – LAKESIDE – FY – SEATTLE, WASH.


PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four time letter winner for head coach Jeff Kim and the Lions … also played lacrosse at Lakeside … was named a captain her junior and senior year … was the top ranked libero in the state of Washington … named First Team All-Washington State in 2022 … led her team to a Washington 3A State Championship … named all league in 2022 and 2023 … was the Lakeside School MVP in 2024 and the Lakeside School Most Defensive Player in 2023 … is the Lakeside single season and career record holder in digs with 1000+ career digs … played club volleyball from 2018-25 finishing her prep career playing for Sudden Impact Volleyball Club. 

PERSONAL

Enjoys watching football, baking, hanging out with friends, swimming, playing Spikeball and trying new foods as her hobbies … volunteered with the Hunger Intervention Program from 2018-25 … lists winning state as a sophomore as her favorite sports memory … plans on majoring in economics.

COACHES QUOTE

“Victoria is an energetic libero who plays with a ton of energy, confidence, and most importantly joy. The passion with which she pursues the game along with her hunger to improve set her apart as a competitor. Victoria is also first team all hype squad and revels in her teammates success. I think our fans and team will enjoy her time here at Columbia.” 

 

ELENA MAYNULET – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6′ 1″ – CC – LAKE HIGHLAND PREP (FLA.) – FY – GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO

Three-time letter winner as a prep, the last two years at Lake Highland in Orlando, Fla.,  for head coach Katie Gallagher … in two years at Lake Highland she led her squad to an overall record of 46-13 in matches and two top-15 rankings in the state of Florida … in 159 sets played she amassed 432 kills, averaging 2.7 kills per set … her senior year she captained the Highlanders to a Florida 3A State Championship … that year she was named an AVCA Third Team All-American and 2024 AVCA All-Region honoree … She was named 2024 FACA All-State and was a four-time Club All-American and AAU All-American … She also has international playing experience, at 15 she was selected to Puerto Rico’s U19 National Team, she was the youngest player on the team.

PERSONAL

A fierce competitor, she lists playing beach volleyball, pickleball and tennis as her hobbies … also enjoys hot yoga … her favorite sports memory was winning state as a senior and advancing to the semi-finals three consecutive years. 

COACHES QUOTE

“Playing for a club team that double qualified in open this year, Elena has established herself as one of the top outside hitters in the country this past season. She is a threat from the front and back row, with the ability to attack from altitude with a high level of IQ. Her time training with the Puerto Rican national team and her aspirations to play volleyball after college have helped her make great strides in her game and we are excited for her potential to continue this growth.”  

FOLLOWING THE LIONS

For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.

By: Contact: Tom Krychkowski; Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Marketing

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The New Jersey City University women’s volleyball program has unveiled its 2025 schedule under the guidance of new head coach Britni Jaskot. The Gothic Knights will compete in five tri-matches throughout the season, opening the year on the road before debuting at home in early September.

“I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming season,” said head coach Britni Jaskot. “NJCU Women’s Volleyball has a strong foundation with talented returners and three promising incoming freshmen. We are also welcoming three impactful transfers who I believe will make an immediate difference on the court.”

The season begins Friday, August 29 in New York City, as NJCU takes on John Jay and Colby-Sawyer in a tri-match hosted by John Jay College. The Gothic Knights make their 2025 home debut on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. against Pratt Institute at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

“While we’ll be a smaller roster this year, the team is full of hardworking, committed athletes who are ready to give everything they’ve got,” said Jaskot. “One of our transfers, Diane Pugay, brings valuable experience from DeSales and will be a strong all-around presence for us. Kai Fitzpatrick adds grit, intelligence, and the kind of energy that lifts a team.”

September’s early home schedule also features matchups against Cairn (Sept. 6) and Wilkes (Sept. 11) before the Gothic Knights hit the road for a tri-match at Penn State Berks with Wilkes on September 13. Additional road contests follow at SUNY Maritime (Sept. 16) and Penn State Harrisburg for a tri-match with Pitt-Greensburg (Sept. 20).

On her experience from playing in the NJAC, Jaskot had this to say. “Transitioning from playing in the NJAC to now coaching in it is truly special. I’m especially looking forward to our matchup against Kean—my alma mater—which will be a full-circle moment for me.”

NJAC play begins Tuesday, September 23 when Rutgers-Newark visits Jersey City.The home stretch continues against St. Elizabeth (Sept. 25) and Alvernia (Sept. 27) before the Gothic Knights travel to Ramapo (Sept. 30). October features key NJAC matchups against Montclair State (Oct. 2, home), Rutgers-Camden (Oct. 14, away), Stockton (Oct. 21, home), William Paterson (Oct. 23, away), and Kean (Oct. 28, away).

The regular season closes with a November push, as NJCU travels to Bard College for a tri-match with Ithaca (Nov. 1) before returning home to host Rowan in the NJAC finale on November 4.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SINGAPORE – For nearly five minutes, Taiwanese swimmer Tang Cheng-yao commanded the attention of an entire arena at the World Aquatics Masters Championships.

On Aug 10, about 150 competitors, officials, family and friends were on their feet at the WCH Arena, the cheers and applause thunderous as they shouted words of encouragement to the 96-year-old swimmer as she splashed her way to the finish of the 200m freestyle.

Partially blind in her right eye and deaf in her left ear, the nonagenarian was the oldest female competitor at the July 26-Aug 22 championships.

She was the only swimmer in the 50m and 200m freestyle and the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events (95-99 age group), and even set a championship record of 12 minutes 54.04 seconds in the 200m breaststroke on Aug 12.

But records are not what Tang aims for, as being in the pool gives her happiness and keeps the doctor away.

Speaking via a translator, Tang, who was born in Anhui, China, said: “Swimming makes me rarely sick. But my swimming journey has seen countless battles. In my youth, I swam with great energy, but now, at 96, I am slower.

“At such an advanced age, some have already given up… yet here I am, still swimming. But of course, after swimming, it’s either sore here or painful there.”

Back home, Tang, who has two sons and two grandchildren, swims 400m every day, though it takes a long time because “I swim very slowly”.

In the winter, when it gets too cold to swim, she goes on long walks.

She first learnt to swim when she was four, when her parents took her to the seaside in Shandong.

She credits her longevity in the pool to her Christian faith, adding: “I just keep my body and mind well every day. I go to classes at church as a small group, and I live joyfully. My religion comforts me and I don’t burden myself with worries, and that’s why I can focus on what I like to do.”

Even as a century beckons for the 96-year-old, she plans to continue swimming and taking part in masters competitions.

She said: “It all depends on whether God gives me time. If he lets me live, I will swim.”

Tang has enjoyed her time in Singapore, where she had celebrity-like status at the arena with multiple requests for photographs as fellow athletes and officials marvelled at her longevity in the sport.

The fiercely independent swimmer also shared an anecdote about her arrival in Singapore, when staff at Changi Airport offered her a wheelchair as she disembarked from the plane.

She initially declined, turning to her 74-year-old son to ask why others assumed she needed one.

Tang said: “Reluctantly, I complied but felt embarrassed, and I questioned my age constantly. My son assured me it was just company policy, and he said to me, ‘You can run, you don’t need a wheelchair’.”

The World Aquatics Masters Championships features about 6,000 athletes aged 25 and above from around 100 countries and territories competing in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming.

The swimming competition ran from Aug 7 to 14, with water polo and diving to be contested from Aug 16 to 22 and Aug 17 to 22 respectively.

Among the participants at the month-long event were others like Tang, who defied their ages by remaining active and competitive.

Japanese swimmer Kazuo Yasuda, the oldest male competitor at 97, is about four months older than Tang.

There was also Margaret Jopling, who at 90 made her overseas debut and swam in the 50m and 800m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke and 50m breaststroke.

The Australian swims to stay mentally and physically fit, but more than that, she cherishes the friends she has made in the masters community and at her club, Port Macquarie Masters.

“I have always been competitive, and I love being in the water,” said Jopling, who is single.

“My objective in a competition like this is to finish the race and not get disqualified. And yes, it keeps me fit, but I love that it keeps me in with all my friends. I live alone and I look forward to meeting them at swims. In Australia, we have social events, Christmas parties and those sorts.

“I have enjoyed my time in Singapore and I hope to go to more masters events overseas after this.”

Roster  |  Schedule  |  2024 Statistics
 
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University volleyball team was slotted seventh in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division preseason coaches’ poll, the conference office announced Thursday.
 
Reigning Atlantic Region champions Gannon garnered four first-place votes and was projected to win the PSAC West while defending PSAC Tournament victors Indiana (Pa.) captured three first-place votes in second place. The remainder of the Western Division poll saw Clarion claim third followed by Seton Hill, Pitt-Johnstown, Edinboro, The Rock and California (Pa.).
 
Shepherd was situated first in the PSAC East with four first-place votes while East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg tallied two first-place nods apiece in second and third place, respectively. The remainder of the Eastern Division prognostication saw Bloomsburg in fourth followed by Millersville, West Chester, Lock Haven and Kutztown.

Slippery Rock has been on the brink of achieving its first winning record since 2014 in each of the last three seasons after finishing 12-14 in 2024, 14-15 in 2023 and 14-16 in 2022.

 

While SRU will be tasked with replacing three-time All-PSAC West outside hitter Erica Selfridge and the program’s career digs leader Kate Lachendro-Biery as well as key contributors Chelsie Wheeler and Aslyn Pry there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic as The Rock brings back 10 athletes that appeared in at least 14 matches a year ago to go with a promising incoming recruiting class.

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

First-year head coach Dylan Lasher was chosen as the next leader of the Slippery Rock volleyball program on March 28, 2025. Lasher is the 13th head coach in SRU varsity volleyball history.

 

Lasher comes to Slippery Rock after most recently serving as the head coach of both the women’s and men’s volleyball teams at Thiel College. He has also been a head coach at both Chatham and Millikin. Overall, he has 10 seasons of collegiate head coach experience (women’s + men’s).

 

Lasher’s coaching resume includes being named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on two occasions – in 2017 as the women’s coach at Chatham and in 2025 as the men’s coach at Thiel. 

 

The Ford City, Pennsylvania native served five seasons as the head men’s volleyball coach at Thiel and added the role of head women’s coach prior to the 2024 fall season. He inherited a women’s program that went 3-22 in 2023 and immediately made it a contender in his first full season with the squad by guiding the Tomcats to a 17-9 record in 2024.

 

The 14-win improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the second-best year-to-year improvement among all 419 NCAA Division III women’s volleyball programs that fall.

 

Lasher rounded out his coaching staff over the summer with the addition of assistant Raquel McDonald. A familiar face to Lasher, McDonald comes to The Rock after spending two successful seasons at Thiel where she assisted in all facets of the men’s and women’s volleyball programs.

RETURNING  SENIORS

The Rock’s 2025 senior class features three all-conference caliber athletes in middle blocker Lauren VonderHaar, outside hitter Callie Chevalier and setter Jaeden Yost. Veterans of a combined 227 collegiate matches, all three have been mainstays in SRU’s lineup since stepping foot on campus in 2022.

 

VonderHaar has firmly established herself as one of the top middle blockers in the Atlantic Region over the last two years. One of three athletes to start all 26 matches a season ago, VonderHaar recorded 122 blocks (41 solo / 81 assisted) defensively in addition to 111 kills via a .221 attack percentage on offense. She closed 2024 ranked 22nd in the nation, and fourth in the PSAC, in blocks per sets (1.26).

 

Yost has served as Slippery Rock’s lead setter in each of the last three seasons. Along with VonderHaar and the now-graduated Selfridge, Yost was one of three Rock athletes to start every match a season ago. In addition to delivering 550 assists (5.67 per set), Yost also compiled a team-high 40 aces and ranked third in digs with 218 (2.25 per set).

 

Chevalier has displayed the ability to take over a match on any given night as evidenced by her 28 career double-digit kill performances. Last season, Chevalier went for 210 kills in 22 matches (79 sets) on a .177 attack percentage to go with 42 blocks.

 

The trio are all ranked among the program’s all-time best in a vareity of statistical categories. Yost opens her senior year slotted ninth in program history in career assists (1,705) and 17th in aces (113) while VonderHaar is 10th in total blocks (258) and Chevalier being positioned 25th in kills (645).

 

Rounding out The Rock’s senior class is libero / defensive specialist Arielle Walter who has played in 15 matches through the first three years of her career.

RETURNING  JUNIORS

After seeing limited playing time as rookies in 2023 the junior trio of opposite / outside Hitter Kaitlyn Danszczak, defensive specialist / setter Brooke Farrah and middle blocker / opposite Victoria Nalbach all saw a serious uptick in playing time a season ago.

 

Danszczak started 14 matches while making 22 appearances en route to finishing the season with 104 kills and 24 blocks. Nalbach added 20 blocks in 18 matches and Farrah split time as The Rock’s second setter with 159 assists and nine aces in 19 contests.

RETURNING SOPHOMORES

Six of The Rock’s eight-athlete freshmen class from 2024 will return for their sophomore seasons.

 

Outside Hitter / defensive specialist / libero Marley Annis, libero Kara Pasquale, setter Paityn Krause and defensive specialist / outside hitter Gwen McCarthy all saw playing time as rookies.

 

As a freshman, Pasquale appeared in 24 of The Rock’s 26 matches while leading all Rock rookies in sets played (89). She concluded the year ranked third on the team overall in aces (26) and fourth in digs (169 / 1.90).

 

Krause split time as Slippery Rock’s second setter during her rookie campaign on the way to recording 234 assists (3.97), 115 digs (1.95) and 11 aces across 20 matches.

 

As outsides a season ago, opportunities were sparce for Annis and McCarthy behind the veteran quartet of Selfridge, Wheeler, Chevalier and Danszczak. The pair combined to provide SRU with 60 kills, seven aces and 10 blocks with McCarthy making 15 appearances and Annis 14.

 

After not appearing in a match as rookies, outside hitter Ava Haynes and middle blocker Addison Jones will compete for expanded roles in their second year with the program.

WELCOME TO THE ROCK

The Rock’s 2025 freshman class is made up of nine athletes covering the entire court. The new enrollees come from three states in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

 

2025 SRU Freshman Class

Name-Position-Hometown (in Pennsylvania unless noted)

Hayden Deming – Outside Hitter / Opposite – Mattawan, Michigan

Ash Deniker – Middle Blocker – Greensburg 

Alayna Esselink – Middle Blocker – Richmond, Michigan

Abby Kolcum – Setter – Chardon, Ohio         

Emry Rumbaugh – Outside Hitter / Opposite – Kittanning

Leah Schreckengost – Libero / Defensive Specialist – Freeport

Cassidy Stancombe – Libero / Defensive Specialist – Johnstown     

Sidney Stevenson – Libero – Pittsburgh

Addie Varnish – Setter – Carnegie

THE SCHEDULE

In addition to the always-competitive PSAC West round-robin gauntlet, Slippery Rock will play 13 non-conference matches as part of its 27-match schedule in 2025.

 

Of its 20 unique opponents, nine closed last season in possession of a winning record with four earning NCAA Tournament bids.

 

From top to bottom the PSAC West is one of the strongest divisions in the nation. A true “no nights off” league, six of the eight Western Division programs had winning records a year ago with Slippery Rock nearly being the seventh after finishing just two matches under .500.

 

The bulk of Slippery Rock’s non-conference slate occurs at the start of the year. The Rock officially open the 2025 season with four matches at the Fairmont State Classic (Sept. 5-6) against Elizabeth City State, UVa.-Wise, Palm Beach Atlantic and host Fairmont State.

 

SRU then moves on to the Hall of Fame City Challenge (Sept. 12-13) where it will face host Malone, Bluefield State, Illinois Springfield and Bloomsburg. The final four-match weekend of the season comes at the D’Youville Tournament (Sept. 19-20) with tilts against Assumption, host D’Youville, Frostburg State and Kutztown on deck.

 

The Rock’s final non-conference match of the regular season will serve as SRU’s home-opener when Shippensburg visits Morrow Field House 2 p.m. Sept. 27.

 

Slippery Rock’s PSAC West schedule features home-and-home matches with its seven division foes beginning Sept. 24 at Clarion and running until its Nov. 15 regular-season finale at Edinboro.

 

If Slippery Rock finishes in the top four of PSAC West standings at the conclusion of the season, The Rock will see their season continue into the PSAC Tournament for the first time since 2008.

 

2025 PSAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

First-place votes in parentheses

 

West Division

1) Gannon (4)

2) IUP (3)

3) Clarion

4) Seton Hill (1)

5) Pitt-Johnstown

6) Edinboro

7) THE ROCK

8) California

 

East Division

1) Shepherd (4)

2) East Stroudsburg (2)

3) Shippensburg (2)

4) Bloomsburg

5) Millersville

6) West Chester

7) Lock Haven

8) Kutztown

To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official Athletic Communication accounts on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).