INDIANA, Pa. -- The IUP women's volleyball program will travel to Erie to face Shepherd in the semifinals of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament, on Friday, November 22 at 5:00 p.m.
 
What: PSAC Semifinals - Women's Volleyball
Where: Hagerty Family Events Center | Erie, Pa.
When: Friday, November 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Live Video: PSAC Digital Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
In-Game Updates: X (Twitter)
 
Ticket Information
Tickets: IUP vs. Shepherd | PSAC Championship Tickets | PSAC Tournament Central
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children K-12, and students with a valid PSAC member institution ID card will receive free admission. 
 
IUP Notes

• IUP is on its third consecutive 20-win season, currently on a seven game winning streak.
• The last time the Hawks advanced to the PSAC Semifinals was in 2016, but were soon defeated by Pitt-Johnstown in four sets.
• The Hawks are averaging 12.3 kills, 2.0 blocks, and 2.2 aces per set.
• IUP defeated Shepherd this season in four sets on September 21 at the Crimson Hawks Classic.
• Jessica Neiman just earned PSAC Western Division Freshman of the Year and Second Team honors. Lauren Valentic earned First Team honors for her third consecutive year.
• Key killer for the Hawks is rising freshman Jessica Neiman. She leads the team with 258 kills overall and 138 against conference opponents.
• Lauren Valentic has been a standout blocker for IUP, recording 98 total blocks, including 42 in the conference. She has also contributed 153 kills and boasts a .317 hitting percentage.
• Key blockers for the Hawks include Rylee Brown (77), Neiman (50), and Nyla Birch (35).
• Leading the Hawks in assists is Olivia Heidel, recording 749 in her career. 
• IUP is third in the PSAC with 223 total blocks and third with 1,368 kills.
• Front line is composed of strong hitters, Birch (172), Simay Memisoglu (165), and Brown (136).
• The Hawks' four conference losses have come against playoff-bound teams: Seton Hill, Edinboro, and Gannon (twice).
• Since Coach Lo's arrival, the Crimson Hawks have made three consecutive PSAC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Regional appearances. Coach Hoyer has an impressive 64-28 overall record, including a 32-15 mark in the PSAC.

Shepherd Notes

• Shepherd defeated Millersville in the PSAC Quarterfinals on Tuesday in four sets
• Shepherd's overall record is 24-4 and were undefeated in the PSAC 14-0. 
• They began the season with an eight-game winning streak but then lost four in a row at the Crimson Hawk Classic, including a loss against IUP in four sets. From there the Rams bounced back and have not lost since, posting a 16-game winning streak.
• The Rams are averaging 12.2 kills per set and 2.6 blocks per set.
• Top hitters are Joi Fairweather (269 kills), Rylee Lenz (244), Sophia Ryan (228), and Amya Davis (225).
• The Rams have three players with over 100 blocks this season; Sophia Ryan (145), Joi Fairweather (121), and Rylee Lenz (112).

Around the League
IUP (21-8, 10-4 PSAC) is the second seed in the PSAC West and will match up against the No.1 seed in the PSAC East, the Shepherd Rams. Gannon is hosting the PSAC Championships at the Hagerty Family Events Center.

No. 2 (W) IUP vs. No. 1 (E) Shepherd (5:00 p.m.) 
No. 3 (E) East Stroudsburg vs. No. 1 (W) Gannon (7:30 p.m.)

Potential Future Opponents
If the Crimson Hawks come out on top Friday, they will face the winner between No.1 Gannon and No.3 East Stroudsburg. 
 
Up Next
IUP plays Friday, November 22 in the PSAC Semifinals against Shepherd at 5:00 p.m. at the Hagerty Family Events Center in Erie, Pa. 
 
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawks and @IUPVB.