PSAC Softball Players of the Week

Western Division Athlete of the Week

Natalia Mallozzi, Gannon
First Base,Graduate Student

Mallozzi hit .500 (7-for-14) as Gannon began the season with a 3-1 record. She totaled five runs, eight RBIs, three home runs, two doubles, and a 1.286 slugging percentage. Against West Virginia State in a 15-7 win, she was 3-for-4 with three runs, six RBIs, and a grand slam in the fifth inning that gave the Golden Knights the lead, 10-7, after trailing 7-1.

Western Division Pitcher of the Week

Alexsa Hurd, Slippery Rock
Pitcher/Infield,Senior

Hurd posted a 1-0 record with a save to kick off the 2025 season, tossing 14 strikeouts in 14.0 innings combined against Shippensburg and Shepherd. Throughout the week, Hurd amassed an ERA of 3.50. Hurd threw eight strikeouts in a 5-4 nine-inning marathon victory at Shippensburg, allowing just two earned runs in the process. She got a start against Shepherd and re-entered later in the game to pick up a save in an 8-7 win over the Rams, dealing six strikeouts in 5.0 innings.

Eastern Division Athlete of the Week

Tatum Kresley, East Stroudsburg
Utility, Senior

In four games, Kresley hit .571 and slugged 1.143, driving in five runners in 14 at-bats with helping the Warriors go 3-1. Of her eight hits, five of them went for extra bases, three triples and two doubles. Against Seton Hill Kresley collected four hits, three RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Then vs Bloomfield she finished the day with four hits, five runs, and two RBIs.

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Week

Sarah Davenport, East Stroudsburg
Pitcher, Sophomore

Davenport struck out 29 batters and allowed just two runs in 12 innings of work. Over two games she picked up two complete game wins with a 1.50 ERA and a WHIP of .583. Against Seton Hill she struck out 16 batters, the most by a Warrior in a single game since 2002.

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has announced the women’s basketball athletes of the week.

Eastern Division Athelte of the Week

Naia Pulliam,Kutztown
Guard,Senior,Wilmington, Del. / St. Elizabeth

Naia Pulliam averaged 20 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game and three assists per game. In a comeback victory over Shippensburg last Wednesday, Pulliam led all scorers with 23 points on 8-of-16 (50%) shooting from the floor, while adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals. In a win over Shepherd on Saturday, Pulliam once again led the offense with 17 points and shot 50% from the floor again (7-of-14), while contributing four rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Eastern Division Defensive Athlete of the Week


Emily Chmiel, East Stroudsburg
Center, Senior, Doylestown, Pa. / Central Bucks East

Emily Chmiel averaged 21.5 points, 14.5 rebounds (she averaged 4.5 offensive rebounds), 2.5 blocks, two steals. Against West Chester Chmiel scored 14 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, five blocks, four steals. On Saturday against Mansfield Chmiel scored 29 point, grabbed 18 rebound for a game double-double she also handed out three assist. Chmiel is now just 11 points shy of setting the school record for most points in a season.

Western Division Co-Athlete of the Week


Morgan Gentile, Edinboro
Guard, Senior, Athens, Pa. / Elmira

Gentile facing No. 11/15 Seton Hill who they defeated 82-66. Gentile scored 20 points, gathered six rebounds, passed out six assists, had five steals, and a block . She is just one point shy of 1,000 for her career at Edinboro. Gentile currently leads the PSAC in assists per game at 4.8 while also ranking 11th in scoring at 15.1 points per game.

Western Division Co-Athlete of the Week


Nyshae' Weaver, IUP
Forward, Junior, Baltimore, Md. / Alderson Broaddus

Nyshae' Weaver had two double-doubles. Against Seton Hill she had 20 rebounds, 24 points, 2 assists, and shot 9-for-10 FG. Against SRU Weaver had 13 rebounds, 12 points, and 2 blocks.

Western Division Defensive Athlete of the Week


Madison Palek, Clarion
Forward, Freshman, Woodbine, N.J. / Middle Township

Madison Palek helped the Golden Eagles clinch their first PSAC Tournament berth since 2017 on Wednesday, as Clarion beat Slippery Rock on the road to lock up a spot in the postseason. Palek filled the defensive stat sheet with nine rebounds, four blocked shots, and a steal as the Golden Eagles defeated the Rock 76-58. Clarion is now guaranteed to finish the regular season with at least a .500 record, one year after winning just a single game. The Golden Eagles have already improved their record by 13 games from a year ago.

The East Stroudsburg Warriors and Gannon Golden Knights have been voted as the top teams in the Eastern and Western divisions, respectively, in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Softball Preseason Polls as voted by the coaches pf the PSCA.


EASTERN DIVISION (# of first place votes)

1. East Stroudsburg (5)
2. West Chester (2)
3. Kutztown
4. Shippensburg (2)
5. Bloomsburg
6. Shepherd
7. Lock Haven
8. Millersville
9. Mansfield

WESTERN DIVISION (# of first place votes)

1. Gannon (6)
2. IUP (1)
3. California (1)
4. Slippery Rock
5. Seton Hill
6. Edinboro
7. Clarion
8. Pitt-Johnstown

EASTERN DIVISION

The top spot in the Eastern Division’s preseason poll was secured by East Stroudsburg for the second consecutive season. The Warriors (46-17 overall, 23-9 PSAC in 2024) advanced all the way to the 2024 PSAC Softball Championship last spring. Freshman pitcher Sarah Davenport spun up a historic debut season, leading the conference in ERA (1.31), wins (25), saves (8), and strikeouts (322). Offensively, junior Taylor Lipkins (.370 average, 42 runs scored) and sophomore Delaney Ridgell (.355, 30 RBIs) were both All-Conference honorees.

Voted second in the 2025 PSAC Softball Preseason Poll is West Chester (36-22, 18-13 PSAC). The Golden Rams defeated East Stroudsburg to claim the 2024 PSAC Softball Championship behind Tournament MVP Danielle Ciliberto’s pitching exploits and Mairead Hopkins’ five home runs in the tourney. Hopkins, (.348 average in 2024 along with 41 RBIs) along with returners Casey Best (.316, 20 runs scored) and Hailey Melvin (.292, 28 runs scored, 25 RBIs) should bolster the offense while Ciliberto returns in the circle. Her ERA of 2.48 was fifth-best in the PSAC in 2024 while her 208.2 innings and 23 wins were second-most.

The Kutztown Golden Bears (37-25, 19-13 PSAC) come in third in this year’s poll. Senior pitcher Haley Gravish should return to the circle after pitching a PSAC-best 223.2 innings last season. Brianna Stocklin (.374, 52 runs scored, 22 RBI) leads KU’s returning bats – along with Emily Henn (.361, 43 runs, 49 RBIs) and Alexa Stevens (.333, 44 runs, 45 RBIs).

Shippensburg (36-21, 18-14 PSAC), fourth in this year’s poll, also returns plenty of talent. Caitlyn Martell (.398, 58 runs scored, 49 RBIs) and Sarah Sabocsik (.352, 38 runs, 47 RBIs) are back to spearhead the offense while Alicia Ball (whose 194.2 innings pitched were 113 more than anyone else on the Raiders’ roster) is back to lead the pitching staff.

The remainder of the 2025 PSAC Softball Eastern Division Preseason Poll is rounded out by Bloomsburg at No. 5, Shepherd at No. 6, Lock Haven at No. 7, Millersville at No. 8, and Mansfield at No. 9.

WESTERN DIVISION

The Western Division’s top team in the 2025 poll is Gannon (32-15 overall, 25-6 PSAC in 2024). The Golden Knights’ .331 team batting average was third-best in the conference, led by Natalia Mallozzi (.440, 36 runs, 33 RBIs) and Emma Smerick (.385, 43 runs, 27 RBIs), who should both return this spring. Also back is 2024 PSAC West Pitcher of the Year Maggie Lenda, whose 2.44 ERA was fourth-lowest in the PSAC.

Behind Gannon is IUP at No. 2, which ended 2024 with a record of 29-25 (15-17 PSAC) but return a lot of talent this spring, including Madison Pikula (.425, 61 runs, 35 RBIs), Paige Truax (.410, 43 runs), Jaycee Haidze (.364, 9 HRs, 53 RBIs), Delaney Patella (.349, 9 HRs, 42 RBIs), and Jordan Sylvia (.346, 8 HRs, 57 RBIs.) Kendall Young handled the bulk of the pitching duties as a freshman, with 143 innings pitched and a 3.28 ERA.

The No. 3 team in the 2025 West poll is California (23-20, 20-12 PSAC), who will have to replace 2024 PSAC West Athlete of the Year Caleigh Rister, who led the Vulcans at the plate (.434 average) and in the circle (3.61 ERA in 143.2 innings). Alyssa Rose started 20 games last spring and tossed 101.1 innings to return as the most experienced pitcher, while also hitting .348 with 6 HRs and 39 RBIs at the plate. Carlena Fiorilli (.336, 32 runs scored) and Mikayla Linkous (.309 average) should also return to lead the lineup.

Slippery Rock comes in at No. 4 after finishing 2024 with an overall record of 25-27 (18-13 PSAC). Alexsa Hurd (2.90 ERA in 123 innings pitched) returns in the circle to lead The Rock’s pitching staff and also hit .304 at the plate with 10 HRs and 30 RBIs. Also back are Julia Montie (.306, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs) and Arielle Brown (.303, 39 runs, 29 RBIs).

Completing the top five teams in the 2025 poll is Seton Hill (37-17, 23-9 PSAC), which must replace two starting pitchers (Lauren Dellett and Logan Hartman) who combined to pitch 320.4 innings last season. Plenty of adept hitters return, though, including Kassidy Wittig (.427, 43 runs scored), Brooklyn Fukuskima (.371, 38 runs, 34 RBIs), and Grace Paredes (.368, 41 runs, 14 HRs, 56 RBIs).

The remainder of the 2024 PSAC Softball Western Division Preseason Poll is rounded out by No. 6 Edinboro, No. 7 Clarion, and No. 8 Pitt-Johnstown.

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is pleased to announce its 2024 Fall Top 10 award recipients, as nominated and voted on by the Sports Information and Athletic Communications professionals of the conference.

Delaney Bittner
Shepherd
York, Pa. / Red Lion Area
Women's Soccer
Major: Health Promotion and Exercise Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.92

Bittner helped lead Shepherd women’s soccer to a record-setting 18-2-4 season, starting all 24 games and earning the 2024 PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year award. She tallied three assists during the season and was named a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-American and Third Team CSC Academic All-America.

Jennifer Cichra
Slippery Rock
Renfrew, Pa. / Butler
Women's Cross Country
Major: Mechanical Engineering (Minor in Computing)
Cumulative GPA: 4.00

Cichra was the NCAA Elite 90 winner for women’s cross country to become the first Slippery Rock female athlete to ever win that award. She earned First Team All-PSAC honors with a career-best 12th-place finish at the 2024 PSAC meet, helping The Rock to a second consecutive PSAC team title. She also earned her first career All-Region honor in cross country with a 17th-place finish at the Atlantic Region championships to help SRU to a runner-up finish and a team trip to the national meet.

Dan Gibney
IUP
Stewartstown, Pa. / Kennard-Dale
Men’s Cross Country
Major: Safety, Health, & Environmental Applied Sciences
Cumulative GPA: 4.0

Gibney earned the 2024 PSAC Champion Scholar award for men’s cross country and finished as runner-up at the PSAC meet. He went on to finish 13th in the 10k at the NCAA Atlantic Region championships.

Anna Igims
Slippery Rock
Pittsburgh, Pa. / Avonworth
Women's Cross Country
Major: Applied Behavioral Analysis (GR), School Wellness Education (UG)
Cumulative GPA: 4.0 (GR), 3.98 (UG)

Igims, the PSAC Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year, was the winner of the 2024 PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Region championships, becoming the second-ever SRU female runner to win a PSAC crown and the first-ever to win a Division II regional title. She was bested by Division II runners on only one occasion all season, and that occurred at the national meet. She earned PSAC Athlete of the Week honors every week she competed during the regular season.

Brayden Long
Slippery Rock
Hanover, Pa. / New Oxford
Football
Major: Sport Management (Minor: Leadership)
Cumulative GPA: 4.00

Long ranked third in Division II in passing years with 3,470 and ninth in passing touchdowns with 28. He led The Rock to the national semifinals and a final national ranking of No. 3 in both the AFCA and D2football.com polls. He was a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy as the DII Player of the Year for the second consecutive year and finished sixth in the national voting. He was also the only Division II player in the country to be a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

Sverre Orten
Gannon
Orsta, Norway / Aalesund vgs
Men’s Soccer
Major: Finance
Cumulative GPA: 3.814

Orten, the PSAC West Athlete of the Year, led Gannon with 32 points (nine goals, 14 assists) and led the conference in both points and assists while ranking fourth in goals. He helped the Golden Knights qualify for the NCAA Division II tournament for the third time in four years and was named the United Soccer Coaches National Scholar Player of the Year. He was also named USC NCAA DII All-America First Team as well as the D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year.

Freddie Retter
Kutztown
Quakertown, Pa. / Quakertown
Football
Major: Elementary Education
Cumulative GPA: 3.97

Retter, the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Year, was named PSAC Champion Scholar as well as CSC Academic All-District in 2024. On the field, he tallied career-highs in solo tackles (22), tackles for loss (13), sacks (7.5), and forced fumbles (two) while also leading the conference with three blocked kicks. He was named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Second Team and also earned D2CCA All-Super Region 1 Defensive Athlete of the Year honors.

Brady Rimple
Bloomsburg
Cherryville, Pa. / Northampton Area
Men’s Soccer
Major: Master of Business Administration
Cumulative GPA: 4.0 (GR), 3.93 (UG)

Rimple set the Bloomsburg single-season shutout record and led the Huskies to its first PSAC championship in program history, with conference-best marks in goals against average (.707), shutout percentage (.524), and team save percentage (.810). He had four games with six or more saves, including three games with seven and two matching a career-best eight saves. Bloomsburg also won a program-record 15 games and set a record for consecutive wins at 11 games.

Cassidy Snider
Clarion
Harmonsburg, Pa. / Conneaut
Women's Volleyball
Major: Sport Management
Cumulative GPA: 3.58

Snider was the national leader and NCAA Division II statistical champion in kills per set with 5.46. She was second in the nation in both total kills (606) and points per set (5.97). She was voted both the Atlantic Region Player of the Year and the PSAC West Athlete of the Year in addition to D2CCA First Team All-America and AVCA Second Team All-America honors. Academically, she was honored with a CSC Academic All-America Third Team award.

Jady van Gils
East Stroudsburg
Amersfoort, Netherlands
Field Hockey
Major: Sport Management
Cumulative GPA: 3.722

Van Gils set career-highs in points (35), goals (12), and assists (11) in 2024. She led East Stroudsburg in both points and assists and ranked first in the PSAC in assists, fourth in points, and tied for sixth in goals. She was named the NFHCA Regional Player of the Year, PSAC Field Hockey Athlete of the Year, and NFHCA National Player of the Year for the second consecutive seasons. Academically, she collected CSC Academic All-America Third Team honors.

PSAC Women's Basketball Players of the Week

Western Division Athlete of the Week

Hayley Sims
Edinboro, Guard
Graduate Student, Cleveland Heights, Ohio / Cleveland Heights

Hayley Sims averaged averaged 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.0 assists per contest. Against No. 9 Gannon, Sims netted 22 points along with three blocks. Against UPJ, Sims popped in 10 points, as well as four steals and three boards.

Western Division Defensive Athlete of the Week

Mia Kalich
Seton Hill, Forward
Sophomore, Olmsted Falls, Ohio / Olmsted Falls

Mia Kalich averaged a double double for the week she averaged 17 points and 20.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 3.0 assist and 2.0 blocks. Facing Clarion she scored 14 points, while hauling in a season high 23 rebounds. Versus CalIU she chipped in with 20 points and posting 18 rebounds. Kalich has now recorded eight double doubles.

Eastern Division Athlete of the Week

Emily Chmiel
East Stroudsburg, Forward
Senior, Doylestown, Pa. / Central Bucks East (Chestnut Hill)

Chmiel averaged 29 points, 15.5 rebounds, two blocks, 1.5 assists, and a steal while shooting 48% from the floor. Chmiel had back-to-back 20-point, 15-rebound double-double performances. Facing Lock Haven she scored a PSAC season-high 37 points and snatched 15 rebounds.

Eastern Division Defensive Athlete of the Week

Sarah Hortin
Mansfield, Forward
Senior, Rockville, Md. / Connelly School of the Holy Child

Sarah Hortin recorded seven blocks and four steals on the week. The forward reached new career game highs of four blocks against Shepherd and four steals against Shippensburg. Her 14 points and 14 rebounds performance versus the Rams earns her the second double-double of the season. Hortin leads PSAC with 26 blocks and is sixth in rebounds per game at 8.7.