PSAC West Volleyball Preview

PSAC West Outlook & Predictions

The PSAC West has a familiar balance of stability and change heading into 2025. Four programs — Gannon, Clarion, Edinboro, and Seton Hill — have veteran coaches with long track records of success. On the other side, IUP and Slippery Rock both enter new eras with first-year head coaches, while California is in year two of its rebuild. Add in plenty of returning firepower and the inevitable surprises, and this year’s race looks as competitive as ever.

1 – Gannon

The Golden Knights sit atop the preseason poll once again, earning four of the eight first-place votes. But they’re not without questions — Gannon graduated four All-Americans from last year’s squad, leaving some big shoes to fill. Setter Bengisu Arslan (1,276 assists) returns to lead the offense, with proven hitters in Carissa Treser (245 kills) and middle Lauren Atwell (147 blocks). They’ll count on a strong recruiting class to contribute right away. Even with the turnover, the balance of returning stars and new talent makes Gannon the favorite.

2 – IUP

The defending PSAC champions are still loaded, even as first-year head coach Avery Moore takes over the program. Moore comes to Indiana after leading West Virginia State to a conference title last fall and earning MEC Coach of the Year honors. The Crimson Hawks return standout players like Freshman of the Year Jessica Neiman (298 kills), Delaney Concannon (190 kills), and middle Rylee Brown (147 kills, 93 blocks). IUP grabbed three first-place votes in the preseason poll, and with this much returning firepower, they’re more than capable of another deep run — if the transition to a new coaching staff goes smoothly.

3 – Clarion

Clarion has the tradition and talent to contend every year, and 2025 should be no different. Up front, Finley Kearney (140 kills, 81 blocks) and Emily Klopp (175 kills) lead the charge, but it’s the backcourt that could give the Golden Eagles an edge. Libero Haley Fledderjohann averaged 4.28 digs per set last season, while Lauren Fjerstad added 2.70 digs per set and a team-best .951 reception percentage as a freshman. With a veteran coach and proven depth, Clarion remains a tough out in the PSAC West.

4 – Seton Hill

The Griffins earned a first-place vote in the preseason poll, showing the respect they’ve gained around the league. Outside hitter Catie Flohr (302 kills) returns as an All-PSAC First Team selection, leading a group that went 19–9 last season. With long-time head coach Rick Hall still at the helm, Seton Hill is steady, experienced, and very capable of disrupting the Gannon–IUP race at the top.

5 – Pitt-Johnstown

UPJ was hit hard by graduation, most notably losing setter Adiamar Beaz, an honorable mention All-American and 1st Team PSAC West selection. But the Mountain Cats do bring back size and scoring in the middle. Senior Mallory Pinske (6’2″) was second on the team in scoring last year, while junior Dannika Susko (5’11”) ranked third. The question is whether their new setter can bring it all together against the league’s elite.

6 – Edinboro 

The Fighting Scots look to climb behind returning Second-Team All-PSAC West outside Makayla Neelands, who hammered down 389 kills last season while adding 34 aces. Setter Laney Burns (298 assists, 152 digs) also returns, keeping half of the Scots’ two-setter system intact. With veteran head coach Missy Soboleski leading the program, Edinboro has the pieces to rise if their younger talent develops quickly.

7 – Slippery Rock 

The Rock begins a new era under first-year head coach Dylan Lasher, who inherits a program hit hard by graduation. Still, SRU’s 2025 senior class is battle-tested: middle blocker Lauren VonderHaar, outside hitter Callie Chevalier, and setter Jaeden Yost have combined to play in 227 collegiate matches since arriving in 2022. Their leadership gives The Rock a chance to exceed preseason expectations, especially if younger players can fill the holes left by departed starters.

8 – California (Pa.) 

The Vulcans are still in rebuild mode under second-year coach Audrey Emerich. Picked eighth in the preseason poll, Cal U is young but scrappy, with an eye toward laying the foundation for long-term growth. Upsets may be their best path to headlines in 2025, but the program is showing signs of progress.

How will it play out?

The poll reflects it: this is Gannon and IUP’s race, but both Clarion and Seton Hill have the talent and stability to make a push. If Gannon’s newcomers gel, they’ll stay on top. But don’t rule out IUP — with championship experience and elite returners, the Crimson Hawks could just as easily defend their crown.

Players To Watch

The PSAC West is loaded with talent — here are the names most likely to shape the 2025 season:

• Bengisu Arslan, S – Gannon

• Carissa Treser, OH – Gannon

• Lauren Atwell, MH – Gannon

• Jessica Neiman, OH – IUP

• Delaney Concannon, OH – IUP

• Rylee Brown, MH – IUP

• Finley Kearney, MH – Clarion

• Emily Klopp, OH – Clarion

• Haley Fledderjohann, L – Clarion

• Catie Flohr, OH – Seton Hill

• Mallory Pinske, MH – UPJ

• Dannika Susko, MH – UPJ

• Makayla Neelands, OH – Edinboro

• Laney Burns, S – Edinboro

• Lauren VonderHaar, MH – Slippery Rock

• Callie Chevalier, OH – Slippery Rock

• Jaeden Yost, S – Slippery Rock