News:Alyssa D’Errico helps Nittany Lions Capture NCAA Championship!
Alyssa D’Errico, a 4-year Magic player (2003-2007), has helped the Penn State Nittany Lions capture the NCAA National Championship. The Nittany Lions held on to defeat the Stanford Cardinal 3-2 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Alyssa played a key role for the Nittany Lions as a defensive specialist and recorded 12 digs, with 2 key digs in the decisive 5th game.
Penn State closed out the season with 26 consecutive victories, with their last loss coming to Stanford early in the season. The Nittany Lions have 4 All-Americans returning, and only lose one senior from the team.
Penn State coach Russ Rose said he was impressed by D’Errico’s postseason plan and hopes she can carry that momentum into next season. “She’s a very talented player for sure. She has all the tools I think are critical. What’s most impressive is that she’s passionate about playing volleyball. She’s not a big player (5’8”) but she plays harder than her size.”
When asked about her experience over Championship weekend, Alyssa said, “The trip was an experience I will never forget and over the course of the week through the All-American banquet, Hall of Fame induction and team banquet I met people I could have only dreamed of in my childhood. Karch Kiraly was at our practice, a legend himself. It makes you realize that everything you work to achieve during your career is attainable and dream big. I can't even believe it when I say it out loud to myself that I am a national champion and I played in the Final Four. After the game to look at my phone and see the messages I had from old teammates touched my heart. I kept thinking back and remembering they are the ones who made it possible. You don't get recruited without a good team, coaches and friends. And you for sure can't get to this level without HUGE amounts of support from family, friends and loved ones. To look up into the stands and see my sister, mom and dad was incredible knowing they came that far to show their never-ending support for me!
Early in the decisive 5th game, Alyssa had a momentum shifting play when she dug Stanford middle hitter Foluke Akrinradewo, a future Olympian and 1st team All-American. What did Alyssa think about that dig? “When I dug Foluke, I knew that we were going to win from that moment on. She is the Player of the Year and has so much influence on her team. It is such a confidence builder and momentum shift for our team. And it wouldn't have been possible without their confidence in me! Let's just say I was in the right spot at the right time!”
Penn State closed out the season with 26 consecutive victories, with their last loss coming to Stanford early in the season. The Nittany Lions have 4 All-Americans returning, and only lose one senior from the team.