READING, Pa. (September 3, 2026) – On Thursday afternoon, the Alvernia University (1-1) women's volleyball team defeated Penn State Berks in the season home opener, sweeping the Lions in three sets (25-23, 25-14, 26-24).
The Golden Wolves showed resilience despite consistent resistance from the Lions. In the first set, after taking an 8-6 lead, the Lions stormed back to regain a 10-9 advantage. A 6-2 run from the Golden Wolves halted Penn State Berks' momentum and gave Alvernia a 15-12 lead. After a series of exchanged points, the set was knotted at 18 apiece. A 7-5 run to finish the set gave Alvernia the 25-23 win.
In set two, the Golden Wolves used the momentum from the first-set victory to cruise to a 25-14 win. The win included an 8-2 run early in the set and a 7-2 run to close it out.
In the third set, both teams continued to battle. The Lions showed pride and took a commanding 18-10 lead. However, the Golden Wolves were battle-tested and climbed their way back to tie the set at 20-20. Alvernia would go on to finish the set on a 6-4 run to complete the sweep and defend home court.
How It Happened
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Both teams exchanged points early in the first set. Behind points from Olivia Jones, Olivia Rohrbaugh, and Allison Wolf, the set was knotted at 8-8. Over the next five points, both squads traded points, but Alvernia stayed composed and went on a 6-2 run, highlighted by back-to-back service aces from Marli Emrich, to take a 16-13 advantage.
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The Lions stayed calm and battled back to tie the set at 18 apiece. However, points from Allison Wolf and Jones allowed the Golden Wolves to build a 22-19 cushion. Taking advantage of multiple Lion errors, Alvernia held on for a 25-23 win.
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In set two, the Golden Wolves came storming out to an 8-2 lead, using points from Wolf, Jones, Julia Lassandro, and Casey Treude. The Lions pushed back, but Alvernia's consistent pressure allowed the Golden Wolves to maintain a 15-6 lead.
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Following a couple of Lion points, Jones, Treude, and a Lion service error extended the Golden Wolves' lead to 18-9. Alvernia finished out the set by surrendering just five more points to take a 25-14 win and a two-set lead.
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The third set proved to be another exciting one, but it looked bleak for the Golden Wolves early. Despite an early exchange of points that left the set tied at 5-5, the Lions opened the set with a 13-5 run to grab an 18-10 advantage. The set appeared to be slipping away, but head coach Micaela Sensenig composed her team during a timeout, and the comeback began.
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An 8-1 run from Alvernia, behind Caroline Buggy's service, chipped away at the Lion lead and cut it to 19-18. Penn State Berks did not waver despite the momentum shifting away. A couple of points later, the Lions recaptured a 24-23 advantage. However, a three-point run to close out the set gave the Golden Wolves a 26-24 win and completed the sweep.
Inside the Box Score
Allison Wolf led the team with 11 kills on 33 attacks and added six digs. Casey Treude (9) and Olivia Jones (8) were not far behind.
Marli Emrich (15 assists) and Olivia VonNeida (12 assists) spearheaded the Golden Wolves' setting efforts. VonNeida also led the team with 13 digs, while Caroline Buggy finished close behind with 11 on the night.
Up Next
The Golden Wolves will be back home on Tuesday, September 8, against Penn State Schuylkill at 6:00 p.m.
