2024 In Review
The Juniata College women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Scranton 3–0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-20) to secure the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This victory marked Juniata’s 43rd consecutive conference championship overall and 17th straight Landmark title.
Match Highlights
- Set 1: Scranton tied it 9–9, but a 7–0 Juniata run closed the set 25–14.
- Set 2: Eagles pulled away late, clinching 25–15 on a Lily Podolan kill.
- Set 3: Tight early, but a late 7–1 run sealed the 25–20 win.
Standout Performers
- MVP: Mackenzie Coley – 9 kills (.368), 2 blocks
- Lily Podolan: Match-high 12 kills
- Olivia Foley: 34 assists
- Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez: 12 digs
Juniata Makes History...Again!
The Eagles capped the season with a 3–2 win over Wisconsin-Whitewater (25-19, 25-19, 15-25, 26-28, 15-10), claiming their third consecutive NCAA Division III title.
Match Recap
- Set 1: Eagles used early runs to cruise to a 25–19 win.
- Set 2: Another steady effort pushed Juniata ahead 2–0, sealed by a Courtney Williams kill.
- Set 3: Warhawks roared back, taking control 25–15.
- Set 4: A thriller with 11 ties and 5 lead changes; Wisconsin-Whitewater outlasted Juniata 28–26.
- Set 5: Juniata stormed ahead 8–0 and never looked back, finishing 15–10 to clinch the title.
Standout Performers
- Kennedy Christy (MOP): 18 kills, 12 digs, 2 aces
- Mackenzie Coley: 19 kills, 3 blocks
- Lily Podolan: 14 kills
- Courtney Williams: 7 kills
- Olivia Foley: 56 assists, 18 digs
- Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez: 19 digs, 2 aces
Season of Dominance
- Finished 35–0 for the second straight year
- Extended winning streak to 97 matches
- Won 29 matches via sweep
- First team to win three consecutive national titles since 1998–2000 (Central, Iowa)
- Only program in Division III history with back-to-back perfect seasons
Class & Career Highlights
- Seniors & graduate students: 136–3 career record, 3 national championships, 44 sets dropped over 4 years, 67–0 at home
- Juniors: 104–1 career record
- Sophomores: 0 matches lost, 14 sets dropped
- First-years: 8 sets dropped in their careers
The Landmark Conference coaches have spoken, and Juniata College enters the 2025 season as the clear favorite, receiving nine of ten first-place votes and 81 total points. The University of Scranton comes in second with 73 points and one first-place vote, while Elizabethtown College and Catholic University round out the top four.
Susquehanna University is projected fifth, followed by Drew University, Moravian University, and Lycoming College. Wilkes University and Goucher College complete the preseason rankings.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Juniata to see if they can continue their dominance and on the other top contenders to challenge for the conference crown.
Catholic University
- Head Coach: Casey Burford (2nd Season)
- 2024 Record: 15-21 (5-4 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 4th
Catholic turned a corner in 2024, not only posting 15 wins but also winning its first Landmark Tournament match since 2013. With a balanced group of returners, the Cardinals bring back experience at multiple positions, including strong defensive play and a solid setting core. The team will need to replace some heavy hitters but looks poised to remain competitive.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Erin Faughnan – 1.63 kps, .243 hitting%
- Tanya Sichling – 1.82 kps, 0.21 bps
- Julia Raab – 1.92 kps, 211 kills
- Laci Freitas – 2.04 kps, 169 kills
- Kate Berra – 3.99 aps, 523 assists
- Anna Maria Carella – 3.97 aps, 508 assists
Notable Departures
- Grace Guerin - 1.66 kps, 221 kills
- Gaby Hernandez-Ferraiuoli - 4.77 dps, 634 digs
Drew University
- Head Coach: Amanda Rachwal (2nd Season)
- 2024 Record: 11-21 (4-5 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 6th
Drew showed progress in 2024, winning four conference matches and finding consistency behind a balanced attack. With several starters returning, including a setter who finished among the conference leaders in assists, the Rangers will look to build on last season’s competitiveness. The biggest challenge will be replacing an All-Conference outside hitter, Teeya Desgoutte, and a defensive leader, Genevieve Sarinelli.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Alyssa Rachwal – 7.45 aps, 2.38 dps
- Emily Shirk – 2.83 kps, 2.66 dps
- Lindsey Millis – 1.63 kps
- Inaya Stanford – 1.31 kps, 0.40 bps
- Marissa Guajardo – 1.05 kps
Notable Departures
- Teeya Desgoutte - 2.83 kps, 287 dps
- Genevieve Sarinelli - 4.09 dps
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE
- Head Coach: EJ Smith (3rd Season)
- 2024 Record: 18-13 (6-3 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 3rd
Elizabethtown continued its tradition of postseason consistency, reaching the Landmark semifinals for the fifth straight year in 2024. With strong ball control and a core of returning attackers, the Blue Jays will aim to take the next step and push into the championship round. A pair of veteran leaders depart, but the lineup is still loaded with proven talent.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Lucy Stern – 4.21 dps
- Kate Barbon – 1.71 kps, 183 kills
- Lucy Stanek – 2.56 kps, 294 kills, 28 aces
Notable Departures
- Gracie Britten - 2.06 kps, 243 kills
- Emma Bitner - 2.49 dps, 294 digs
GOUCHER COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Kate Lindholm (2nd Season)
- 2024 Record: 1-22 (0-9 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 10th
It was a rebuilding year for Goucher, finishing 1-22, but the Gophers will look to a young core to lay the foundation for growth. Several returners gained valuable experience last season and will be called upon to step up into leadership roles.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Maria Basantes – 1.19 kps, 1.79 dps
- Lucy Hendricks – 2.35 dps, 113 digs
- Athena Savick – 27 aces
Notable Departures
- Dakota Hawkins - .07 bps, 33 blocks
- Emma Taylor - 2.20 aps, 143 assists
- Vivian Huddleston - 2.64 aps, 132 assists
JUNIATA COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Heather Pavlik (15th Season)
- 2024 Record: 35-0 (9-0 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 1st
The defending national champion Eagles dominated once again in 2024, capturing both the Landmark title and another NCAA crown. Juniata enters 2025 as the favorite, with elite depth, balance, and championship experience on its side.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Audrey Muth - 2.29 kps, 220 kills
- Molly Mishinkash - 1.80 kps, 54 kills, 26 blocks
- Sophia Repholz - 78 digs, 37 aces
- Maeve Edmund - 54 kills, 37 digs
- Emily Farrell - .241 hitting percentage, 1.38 dps
Notable Departures
- Olivia Foley - 11.84 aps, 1,125 assists, 279 digs, 34 aces
- Mackenzie Coley - 3.85 kps, 354 kills, 55 blocks
- Kennedy Christy - 2.95 kps, 271 kills, 42 aces
- Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez - 4.81 dps, 491 digs, 66 aces
- Lily Podolan - 2.58 kps, 250 kills, 28 blocks
- Sydney Ohl - 2.48 dps, 258 digs
- Courtney Williams - 2.03 kps, 26 blocks
- Abbey Telesz - 6.23 aps, 162 assists
LYCOMING COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Tim McMahon (25th Season)
- 2024 Record: 9-17 (2-7 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 8th
Lycoming brings back a mix of veterans while also integrating 10 newcomers into the rotation. The Warriors will rely on experienced returners to provide stability as the younger players gain confidence and adapt to Landmark play.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Cammie Upcraft - 2.09 kps, 233 kills
- Haley Balgavy - 1.57 dps, 149 digs, 4.72 aps, 448 assists
- Caroline Colucci - .27 bps, 20 blocks
Notable Departures
- Ali Koval - 5.05 dps, 444 digs
- Kendall Myers - 2.81 dps, 256 digs
- Arianna Santos - 1.87 kps, 140 kills
- Brynne Bisel - 2.53 kps, 233 kills, 19 aces
MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Amable Martinez (1st Season)
- 2024 Record: 17-13 (4-5 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 7th
The Greyhounds open a new era under first-year head coach Amable Martinez after the retirement of Shelley Bauder, who won 575 matches over 32 seasons. With key attackers like Reuber and Reigner leading the front line and veteran setter Plitnick running the offense, Moravian has the pieces to stay competitive and push for postseason play.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Sam Love - 4.50 dps, 459 digs, 44 aces
- Payton Reuber - 2.53 kps, 266 kills, 58 blocks
- Gabbie Reigner - 1.97 kps, 189 kills, 253 digs
- Ally Plitnick - 8.10 aps, 834 assists, 315 digs
- Kate McBrierty - 0.51 bps, 54 blocks
Notable Departures
- Jenna Deegan - 2.69 kps, 261 kills
- Makenzie Krasley - 0.39 bps, 37 blocks
- Emily Solomon - 11 digs, 23 assists, 4 blocks
UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
- Head Coach: Jamie Spangler (12th Season)
- 2024 Record: 17-14 (8-1 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 2nd
The Royals return a strong nucleus after an 8-1 conference campaign in 2024. With Quirk running the offense and key contributors back on both sides of the net, Scranton has the experience to once again challenge at the top of the Landmark standings.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Cammi Quirk - 5.05 aps, 525 assists, 39 aces
- Deanna Whelpley - 3.37 kps, 128 kills
- Maddie Forry - 2.47 dps, 252 digs
- Camryn Hoffman - 4.07 dps, 407 digs
Notable Departures
- Erin Keaveney - 2.84 kps, 278 kills
- Gianna Detorie - 0.39 sas, 39 aces
- Sophia Hadjiyane - 0.48 bps, 47 blocks
- Katherine Denitz - 1.92 kps, 119. kills
- Kassidy Means - 2.68 kps, 236 kills, 26 aces
SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Johnny Powell (1st Season)
- 2024 Record: 19-13 (6-3 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 5th
The River Hawks enter 2025 under new leadership with a younger roster but plenty of promise. Despite losing three cornerstone players, Susquehanna returns impactful contributors like Dugery and Willow and will look to make another push for the Landmark playoffs.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Katelyn Dugery - 7 sets played, 15 kills
- Emma Willow - 106 sets played, 136 kills
Notable Departures
- Amanda Gore - 219 kills, 42 aces, 96 blocks
- Emily Kowalski - 42 blocks, 127 digs, 323 kills
- Brie Livezey - 111 kills, 26 blocks, 60 digs
WILKES UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Joseph Czopek (14th Season)
- 2024 Record: 5-21 (1-8 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 9th
Wilkes enters its Landmark campaign eager to establish itself within a competitive field. With a foundation of returning contributors and room for growth, the Colonels aim to build momentum in their third season of conference play.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Kendra Kalp - 1.46 kps, 143 kills
- Ava Wahlers - 38 blocks, 50 digs
- Ally Sheridan - 139 digs, 127 kills
Notable Departures
- Sierra Hines - 279 kills, 15 aces, 76 blocks
- Alexa Cassel - 250 digs, 33 blocks, 684 assists
- Jenna Baron - 202 kills, 36 aces, 55 blocks
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