ERIE, Pa. – Gannon's streak of PSAC volleyball championships finally ended Saturday night against an IUP team that completed a spirited roll through the tournament field.
 
Indiana (Pa.) won the final two sets in convincing fashion as it claimed a 25-23, 17-25, 25-14, 25-14 victory in the PSAC championship game at Hagerty Family Events Center. Coach Lorelle Hoyer's Crimson Hawks ended Gannon's title streak at two after upsetting a GU team that had swept IUP twice during the regular season. Gannon had won eight consecutive matches over three PSAC tournaments until Saturday.
 
Coach Matt Darling was disappointed with the loss, but he noted that this was a different IUP team from the one Gannon saw during the regular season. IUP was coming off victories over 2023 Atlantic Regional champion Clarion in the quarterfinals, No. 1 Eastern Division seed Shepherd in the semifinals, and No. 1 Western Division seed Gannon in the finals.
 
"I think you have to start with the obvious, that IUP was absolutely fantastic tonight," Darling said. "They served brilliantly, they defended really well, they hustled through every play – just a championship performance by them."
 
That performance was led by 6-foot senior Nyla Birch, who was honored as the Tournament MVP after collecting 16 kills and hitting .560 in the championship match. She had just two errors on 25 attacks. Setter Olivia Heidel also turned in an outstanding effort with 42 assists.
 
IUP (23-8) will receive the PSAC automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Gannon (23-7) is also assured of having its 15th consecutive NCAA Tournament bid after entering the PSAC Tournament as the No. 1 team in the Atlantic Region. The NCAA Selection Show is Monday at 7:30 p.m., and Gannon is one of the teams that is likely to be considered for hosting the Atlantic Regional in two weeks.
 
Despite the loss, Gannon had its share of strong performances. Senior outside hitter Journey Blevins (Richwood, Ohio/North Union) led Gannon with 19 kills. Senior right side Hailey Koch (Littleton, Col./Dakota Ridge) added 16 kills as she pushed her career total to 998 kills. Senior libero Emma Hall (Lowell, Mich./Lowell) led all players with 21 digs while junior setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) added 33 assists and 12 digs.