Recently, several local athletes have been recognized for their outstanding performances in their respective sports. Morgan Sarver, a sophomore forward for Slippery Rock University and a graduate of Altoona Area High School, was named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference women’s soccer all-conference team. Sarver excelled in the Western Division, starting in all 18 of her appearances and finishing third in the PSAC in shots and fourth in shots on goal. She ended the year with six goals and nine assists for the Rock, earning her a tie for second place in team offensive points at 21.

Meanwhile, five members of the Penn State Altoona women’s volleyball program received postseason honors from the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. Head coach Jamie McGreal was named coach of the year, while freshman outside hitter Lia Simanski, a Bishop Guilfoyle High School graduate, was selected as newcomer of the year. Four other Lady Lions were also recognized on the all-conference list: junior libero Anna Batrus, an Altoona Area High School grad who led the AMCC this season in digs per set (5.55) while being second in total digs (533); senior outside hitter Lacee Barnhart; and junior middle Makenna Port, who earned third-team recognition. Under McGreal’s leadership, Penn State Altoona won its third-ever conference championship.

Simanski was one of the standout players in the AMCC this season, ranking among the top 10 in kills per set (2.77), kills (263), points (293.0), points per set (3.1), and digs (328). Meanwhile, Batrus anchored Penn State Altoona’s defense while playing in all 26 matches and leading the AMCC this season in digs per set at 5.55 while being second in total digs at 533.