The Gannon volleyball team continued its strong push atop the PSAC West standings on Friday night, earning its 10th three-set sweep of the season with a 3-0 victory on the road at Pitt-Johnstown.

The Golden Knights also completed a season sweep of the Mountain Cats, having swept UPJ earlier this year at the Highmark Events Center.

With the win,  Gannon improved to 18-5 overall and 9-0 in PSAC West play, while Pitt-Johnstown fell to 13-8 overall and 4-5 in conference action, respectively. 

"This was a great bounce-back win for us. We started slowly but eventually found our defense, and Bengisu was putting the ball where we needed it," said head coach Matt Darling.
 "Sydney played well in the back row, and Lauren was good on both sides of the ball. Tomorrow night is another great test for us. I'm excited."

THE GAME FACTS
Score: Gannon 3, Pitt-Johnstown 0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-14)
Records: Gannon 18-5, 9-0 PSAC West // Pitt-Johnstown 13-8, 4-5 PSAC West
Location: Johnstown, Pa.
Date: October 31, 2025

THE KNIGHT CAP

• 10th Sweep of the Year: Gannon recorded its 10th three-set sweep of the season, continuing to set the tone with efficient, decisive play. The Golden Knights improve to 9-0 in PSAC West play, maintaining a firm grip on the division lead.
• Season Sweep: Tonight, marked Gannon's second sweep of Pitt-Johnstown this season.
• Set One Swing, Then Control: Following a tight opening set (25-23), the Golden Knights controlled the match the rest of the way.
• Arslan Nears 4K: Senior setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) totaled 33 assists and is now just three away from 4,000 career assists, aiming to become the third player in program history to reach the milestone.
• Balanced Production: Gannon's offense spread the workload evenly, led by Lauren Atwell (Mars, Pa./Mars Area), who finished with nine kills while hitting .500. Nehir Yazicioglu (Ankara, Turkey) also posted nine kills and added 14 digs to anchor the defensive effort. Sydney Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) chipped in eight kills, while Abbey Williams (Chicago, Ill./Mother Mcauley Liberal Arts) contributed five kills and two service aces.
• As a team, the Golden Knights hit .233 and held UPJ to .088 in the match.
• Five to Go: Five PSAC West matches remain as the Golden Knights continue their push for the No. 1 seed.
• Big One Tomorrow: Gannon travels to IUP on Saturday for a key matchup between two of the West's top teams. The Golden Knights swept the Crimson Hawks earlier this season inside the Highmark Events Center.

Up Next
Gannon travels to IUP on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a 6:00 PM matchup between the division's top two teams.

This story was written using the support of AI.