INDIANA, Pa. – After capturing the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division regular-season title, the IUP women's volleyball team will begin its postseason journey as the No. 1 seed in the West, hosting a PSAC Tournament quarterfinal matchup at Memorial Field House.
The Crimson Hawks (21-5, 12-2 PSAC) enter the postseason following one of their strongest regular-season campaigns in recent years, securing the division's top seed and positioning themselves to make a run at the conference championship.
Under head coach Avery Moore, IUP has established itself as one of the top teams in the Atlantic Region, entering the postseason ranked No. 3 in the latest NCAA Division II regional NPI rankings.
The Crimson Hawks closed the regular season with a 21-5 overall record, including a 12-2 mark in conference competition. IUP's success included a lengthy winning streak and several key victories against conference opponents, highlighted by a three-set sweep of Gannon on the road earlier this season.
IUP's offensive attack has been led by senior outside hitter Delaney Concannon, who has been a consistent presence throughout the season. Concannon has provided the Crimson Hawks with production on both sides of the ball, contributing as a primary attacking option while anchoring the team's defensive efforts.
Concannon has also reached a significant career milestone this season, becoming just the third player in program history to record 1,000 career kills and 1,000 digs.
The Crimson Hawks have received additional offensive contributions from Jess Neiman, Sammy Stephens and Charlotte Potvin, giving IUP multiple attacking options throughout its lineup.
Neiman has been a reliable presence at the net, while Stephens and Potvin have provided consistent production during the team's conference schedule.
Setters Maddie Zechman and Ellie Rauch have directed the IUP offense, distributing opportunities across the lineup and helping the Crimson Hawks establish an effective offensive rhythm.
Defensively, IUP has relied on a balanced effort from its back row, with Concannon, Brooke Kessler and other contributors providing stability in serve receive and extended rallies.
The Crimson Hawks enter postseason play looking to rebound from a four-set loss to Gannon in their regular-season finale Saturday. IUP captured the opening set, 27-25, before the Golden Knights responded to take the next three sets.
Despite the setback, IUP had already secured the PSAC West regular-season championship and the opportunity to host a quarterfinal contest.
The conference tournament also carries additional significance for the Crimson Hawks, who are competing for positioning in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region postseason picture.
With a quarterfinal victory, IUP would advance to the PSAC semifinals Saturday, Nov. 14. As the top seed in the Western Division, the Crimson Hawks are positioned to host the conference semifinals and championship at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex should they advance.
The semifinal matches are scheduled for Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with the PSAC championship match set for Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m.
IUP will look to use its home-court advantage and experienced roster as it begins its pursuit of a PSAC championship.
