2025 Volleyball Team Picture

Women's Volleyball Bob Shreve, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations

REGIONAL PREVIEW: Gannon Hosts Atlantic Regional, Faces Fayetteville State in opening Round

Golden Knights in search of fourth trip to Elite Eight in five years

NCAA DIVISION II ATLANTIC REGIONAL
No. 1 GANNON GOLDEN KNIGHTS (24-7) vs.  No. 8 FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (21-5)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, December 4, 2025  | 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Highmark Events Center | Erie, Pa.
NCAA ATLANTIC REGIONAL CENTRAL
 
ATLANTIC REGIONAL SCHEDULE
Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Quarterfinals
11:00 a.m. – No. 3 Indiana (Pa.) (21-8) vs. No. 6 Fairmont State (23-10)
1:30 p.m. – No. 2 East Stroudsburg (26-5) vs. No. 7 Charleston (WV) (23-12)
4:30 p.m. – No. 1 Gannon (24-7) vs. No. 8 Fayetteville State (21-5)
7:00 p.m. – No. 4 Pitt-Johnstown (17-11) vs. No. 5 Shepherd (19-10)

Friday, December 5, 2025 – Semifinals
4:00 p.m. – Winner of Q1 vs. Winner of Q2
7:00 p.m. – Winner of Q3 vs. Winner of Q4

Saturday, December 6, 2025 – Championship
4:00 p.m. – Winner of S1 vs. Winner of S2

TICKET INFORMATION | Purchase Online
Tickets will also be available at the ticket window. Both cash and cards will be accepted.
  • Adults: $12.00
  • Students with ID / Senior Citizens: $6.00
  • Children (ages 2–12): $6.00
  • Children under 2: Free when accompanied by a paying adult
NOTE: Gannon students who show their school ID will get free admission courtesy of APB/SGA

GANNON IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT
Gannon is making its 16th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance and is hosting the Atlantic Regional for the fourth straight year. The Golden Knights are the number one seed. It is their 22nd overall NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. During Gannon's stretch of 16 consecutive tournament appearances, the Golden Knights have advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight five times, have played in the regional final six times and have reached the regional semifinals in each of their last eight appearances. The Golden Knights have won the regional to advance to the Elite Eight in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2024 under head coach Matt Darling.  In addition Gannon win the East Regional in 1991, '92 and '93. A year ago Gannon hosted the Atlantic Regional at Cathedral Prep's Hagerty Family Events Center. The Golden Knights defeated No. 8 seed Shaw 3-1 in the opening round. They advanced to the finals with a 3-0 sweep of No. 5 West Virginia State before earning the regional title with a 3-1 win over regional rival Wheeling in the finals. Gannon won two of the first three sets against No. 3 seed Angelo State in the Elite Eight but ultimately lost 3-2. (NOTE: The NCAA did not sponsor a championship in 202o due to the COVID pandemic)


ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon volleyball team will make its 16th straight NCAA Tournament appearance as the NCAA this evening announced the 64-team field for the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Tournament.

For the fourth consecutive year the path to the Elite Eight will go through Erie, Pa. as the Golden Knights received the number one seed and will host the Division II Atlantic Regional. The regional will be held at the Highmark Events Center from Thursday, December 4 to Saturday, December 6. Gannon seeks its ninth trip to the Elite Eight and sixth under head coach Matt Darling, who is concluding his 18th year at the helm.

Gannon is in search of its second straight Atlantic Regional crown and fourth in five years. A year ago the Golden Knights defeated region rival Wheeling in the finals by a 3-1 score.

This year may be a little sweeter for Darling who had to replace four honorable mention All-Americans and opened the season against the defending national champions. A youthful roster spiced with experience grew as the year went on and posted a 24-7 record. The Golden Knights finished as the Western Division regular season champion at 13-1.

Gannon advanced to the PSAC championship game following wins over West Chester and Pitt-Johnstown. But the Golden Knights dropped a 3-1 decision to East Stroudsburg in the championship match.

The top-seeded Golden Knights will play No. 8 seed Fayetteville State in the quarterfinals. The Broncos knocked off two-time defending CIAA champion Shaw in the finals for their eighth CIAA title. Fayetteville State enters with a 21-5 record and qualifies for the Atlantic Regional for the first time since 2021.      

Gannon and Fayetteville State will meet in the third game of the day on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The winner will move on to play the winner of the 7:00 p.m. game in the semifinals as No. 4 seed Pitt-Johnstown (17-11) square off a against No. 5 Shepherd (19-10).
This marks just the second meeting between Gannon and Fayetteville State. The two teams met in early September 2023 in the UC Invitational with the Golden Knights prevailing 3-1.

Thursday's quarterfinals get underway at 11:00 a.m. with Indiana (Pa.), the third seed with a record of 20-8, opposing No. 6 Fairmont State (23-10).  

East Stroudsburg claimed the number two seed after winning the PSAC championship. The Warriors come in at 26-5 and will play No. 7 Charleston (WV) at 1:30 p.m. The Golden Eagles are 23-12 after winning the Mountain East Conference championship.
  
MATT DARLING COMMENTS:  "It's been an exciting few days since we learned that we would be the host for the regional. We're very happy to be playing at home, of course, especially since we are back in the Highmark this year. But it's also exciting to bring the NCAA tournament atmosphere to Erie. There are some great teams and interesting matchups in Thursday's matches, and I really hope we get some big crowds for all the matches."
 
THE 2025 ATLANTIC REGIONAL FIELD
No. 1 Gannon Golden Knights (24-7, 13-1 PSAC West)
Head Coach: Matt Darling (456-158, 18th season)
Conference, finish: PSAC Tournament runner-up
AVCA All-Region / All-PSAC West selections:
Matt Darling (PSAC West Coach of the Year)
Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) (S, Sr., AVCA First Team; PSAC West Athlete of the Year; All-PSAC West First Team)
Lauren Atwell (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) (MB, Jr., AVCA First Team; All-PSAC West First Team)
Sydney Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) (RS, Jr., AVCA First Team; All-PSAC West First Team)
Nehir Yazicioglu (Ankara, Turkey) (OH, Jr., All-PSAC West Second Team
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Sydney Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) -- 310
Assists: Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) -- 1249
Blocks: Lauren Atwell (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) -- 97
Digs: Alexis Fowler (Cranberry Township, PA/Eden Christian Academy) -- 472
Service Aces: Abbey Williams (Chicago, Ill./Mother Mcauley Liberal Arts) – 43; Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) -- 42 
Fast Facts: Gannon is making its 16th straight NCAA Tournament appearance and hosting the Atlantic Regional for the fourth straight year. The Golden Knights seek a ninth trip to the Elite Eight and sixth under head coach Matt Darling, who is concluding his 18th year at the helm. Gannon is in search of its second straight Atlantic Regional crown and fourth in five years … Darling was named the PSAC West Coach of the Year for the second straight year and seventh time overall. He is Gannon's all-time leader in victories (456) and ranks among the Div. II active leaders in victories and winning percentage … senior setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) was named the PSAC West Athlete of the Year and was the 2022 PSAC West Freshman of the Year. She ranks second in career assists (4,355) and holds three of the top nine season totals. She leads the PSAC in assists per set (11.05), good for 13th in Division II. … junior middle blocker Lauren Atwell (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) stands fourth in career blocks with 357.
 
No. 2 East Stroudsburg Warriors (26-5, 13-1 PSAC East)
Head Coach:  Tricia Melfy (101-45, 5th season; 141-88, 10th season overall)
Conference, finish: PSAC Tournament champion
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-PSAC Players: 
Tricia Melfy (AVCA Coach of the Year)
Anna Coulter (MB, Sr., AVCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year; AVCA First Team, PSAC East Athlete of the Year (3rd consecutive season); All-PSAC East First Team)
Marta Leeland (L, Fr., AVCA Honorable Mention; All-PSAC East First Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Anna Coulter – 400
Assists: Kyra Bishop – 707
Blocks: Anna Coulter -- 190
Digs: Marta Leeland – 550
Service Aces: Marta Leeland – 49
Fast Facts: East Stroudsburg defeated Gannon in the PSAC Championship match by a 3-1 score for its first PSAC title since 2019 and sixth overall. The Warriors earned a bid into the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time and first since 2021. They previously made appearances in 2000, 2019, and 2021 … ESU enters the Atlantic Regional riding a 14-match winning streak … Anna Coulter was named the PSAC Tournament Most Valuable Player after days earlier being named the PSAC East Athlete of the Year for the third straight year … Coulter is tied for first nationally in blocks/set (1.67), first in total blocks (190), 13th in points/set (4.93), and 36th in hitting percentage (.353).

No. 3 Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks (21-8, 9-5 PSAC West)
Head Coach:  Avery Moore (45-18, 2nd season)
Conference, finish: PSAC Tournament semifinalist
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-PSAC Players: 
Jessica Neiman (RS, So., AVCA First Team, All-PSAC West First Team)
Delaney Concannon (OH, Jr., AVCA Honorable Mention; All-PSAC West Second Team) 
Ellie Rauch (S, So., AVCA Honorable Mention; All-PSAC West Second Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Jessica Neiman – 334; Delaney Concannon -- 320
Assists: Ellie Rauch – 1038
Blocks: Charlotte Potvin -- 72
Digs: Brooke Kessler – 375
Service Aces: Jessica Neiman – 44
Fast Facts: After leading West Virginia State to the Atlantic Regional a year ago Avery Moore took over at IUP this season and is making a return trip to the regional … IUP is making its 13th appearance in the Atlantic Regional and its fourth straight trip.

No. 4 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats (17-11, 7-7 PSAC West)
Head Coach:  Justin Haupt (71-46, 4th season)
Conference, finish: PSAC Tournament semifinalist
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-PSAC Players: 
Ellie Zuro Cirino (OH, Jr., AVCA First Team; All-PSAC West First Team
Caroline Knight (OH, Jr., All-PSAC West Second Team)
Jessica Krug (DS, Sr., All-PSAC West Second Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Ellie Zuro Cirino – 421
Assists: Abby Berry – 985
Blocks: Mallory Pinske -- 76
Digs: Jessica Krug – 494
Service Aces: Abby Berry, Caroline Knight – 43
Fast Facts: Head coach is in his second stint as UPJ's head coach and has brought success to the Mountain Cats. 2025 will mark Pitt-Johnstown's seventh overall NCAA Division II Regional Tournament berth and the program's third straight appearance.

No. 5 Shepherd Rams (19-10, 8-6 PSAC East)
Head Coach:  Alex Hoekstra (205-115, 11th season)
Conference, finish: PSAC Tournament quarterfinalist
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-PSAC Players: 
Sophia Ryan (MH, Jr., All-PSAC East First Team)
Macy Buso (S, Sr., All-PSAC East First Team)
Amya Davis (OH, Jr., All-PSAC East Second Team
Ada McCoy  (OH, Fr., All-PSAC East Second Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Ada McCoy – 337
Assists: Macy Buso – 1014
Blocks: Sophia Ryan -- 134
Digs: Madison Faircloth – 369
Service Aces: Amya Davis – 49
Fast Facts: The Rams will be making their fifth overall NCAA II regional appearance (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025) … head coach Alex Hoeskstra recently reached 200 career wins and was the PSAC East Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2024.

No. 6 Fairmont State Falcons (23-10, 10-4 MEC North)
Head Coach:  Travis Hinkle (109-55, 5th season; 148-91, 8th overall)
Conference, finish: MEC Tournament quarterfinalist
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-MEC Players: 
Joey Borelle (OH, Sr., AVCA First Team; MEC Player of the Year; All-MEC First Team)
Josie Skinn (L, Sr., AVCA First Team; MEC Libero of the Year; All-MEC First Team)
Josie Nobbe (OH, Jr., AVCA Honorable Mention; All-MEC Second Team)
Alexa Martin (MB, Jr., All-MEC Honorable Mention)
McKenzi Martin (OH, Fr., MEC All-Freshman Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Joey Borelle – 465
Assists: Belle DeVall – 552; Zoe Ringer -- 408
Blocks: Alexa Martin – 132; Natalie Zemba -- 119
Digs: Josie Skinn – 649
Service Aces: Josie Skinn – 31
Fast Facts: Fairmont State shared the MEC North Division title … the Falcons collected two of the MEC's three end-of-season individual honors given to student-athletes with Player of the Year Joey Borelle and Libero of the Year Josie Skinn. Borelle is 8th nationally in total kills and 26th in kills per set … Skinn ranks fifth in total digs (649) and 12th in digs per set (5.50). In the MEC Tournament, Skinn became the all-time leader in career digs at Fairmont State.

No. 7 Univ. of Charleston (WV) Golden Eagles (23-12, 12-4 MEC South)
Head Coach:  Adam Hamad (107-35, 4th season)
Conference, finish: MEC Tournament champion
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-MEC Players: 
Abby Avila (S, Sr., AVCA Honorable Mention, First Team All-MEC)
Divine Muo (RS, Jr., Second Team All-MEC)
Kate Strong (M, Sr., Second Team All-MEC)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Divine Muo – 293; Patrycia Majos -- 291
Assists: Abby Avila – 1056
Blocks: Kate Strong -- 124
Digs: Chloe Fortner – 488
Service Aces: Abby Avila – 42
Fast Facts: Charleston was crowned champions of the Mountain East Conference after defeating West Virginia State 3–1 in the MEC Championship.

No. 8 FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (21-5, 13-2 CIAA South)
Head Coach: Chynna Hunt (39-10, 2nd season)
Conference, finish: CIAA Tournament champion
AVCA All-Atlantic Region/All-CIAA Players: 
Giovanna Teixeira (S, Jr., CIAA Setter of the Year; First Team)
Chiara Vittoni (RS, Sr., First Team)
Symone Morris (OH, Grad., Second Team)
Statistical Leaders:
Kills: Symone Morris -- 311
Assists: Giovanna Teixeira – 704
Blocks:  Chantiya Johnson -- 68
Digs: Jasmine Culp – 360
Service Aces: Giovanna Teixeira – 40
Fast Facts: Fayetteville State captured the CIAA Championship with a 3-0  (25-22, 25-22, 25-23) sweep of Shaw to earn its eight trip to the Atlantic Regional. The Broncos last appeared in the Atlantic Regional in 2021, falling to No. 1 seed Wheeling in the opening round … Giovanna Teixeira was named the MVP of the CIAA Tournament after previously being named the CIAA Setter of the Year.
 
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Players Mentioned

Bengisu Arslan

#10 Bengisu Arslan

S
5' 8"
Senior
Lauren Atwell

#1 Lauren Atwell

MB
6' 3"
Junior
Sydney Wake

#24 Sydney Wake

RS
5' 11"
Junior
Nehir Yazicioglu

#13 Nehir Yazicioglu

OH
5' 10"
Junior
Alexis Fowler

#3 Alexis Fowler

DS
5' 4"
Freshman
Abbey Williams

#11 Abbey Williams

OH
5' 10"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Bengisu Arslan

#10 Bengisu Arslan

5' 8"
Senior
S
Lauren Atwell

#1 Lauren Atwell

6' 3"
Junior
MB
Sydney Wake

#24 Sydney Wake

5' 11"
Junior
RS
Nehir Yazicioglu

#13 Nehir Yazicioglu

5' 10"
Junior
OH
Alexis Fowler

#3 Alexis Fowler

5' 4"
Freshman
DS
Abbey Williams

#11 Abbey Williams

5' 10"
Freshman
OH