Marian graduate Lauren Nietz resumed her volleyball career this past fall at Penn State-Hazleton. Nietz returned the court after three years away from the game, a time she spent as one of the Fillies’ assistant coaches on Doc Fallabell’s staff.

The senior was named a co-captain for the Lady Lions this season, and led the PSUAC (Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference) East with 420 digs, while playing in 23 of 25 games. Nietz ranked second in the PSUAC and fifth nationally in the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) with 420 digs, tallying 5.38 digs per set.

The 420 digs were also a single season record for PSU Hazleton. She totaled double-figures in the category in 19 of 23 matches played, and set a career mark of 45 digs on Sept. 30 against Penn State-New Kensington.

Nietz led the squad with 65 service aces, ranking fourth overall in the PSUAC and tied for sixth overall in the country. She finished second in PSUAC overall with 0.83 service aces per set.

Nietz's outstanding season earned her the following honors: PSUAC first team All Conference Eastern Division libero; USCAA second team All-American; and USCAA Academic All-American (students must have a 3.8 or higher GPA).

Penn State Hazleton enjoyed it’s best record in school history, finishing 15-11 overall and 11-2 in conference. The Lady Lions finished second in PSUAC East and qualified for Conference Championship, tying for third-place overall.

The PSUAC is comprised of 14 Penn State branch Campuses all over the state of Pennsylvania while the USCAA is comprised of four conferences stretching from the New England States, Middle Atlantic States, Southern Atlantic States and even into Louisiana and Texas.