Saint Vincent added men’s volleyball this season, the 24th sport at the Latrobe college.
On Sunday, the newest team will make its home debut.
The Bearcats (0-2) will take on Penn State Behrend at 1 p.m. at the Carey Center.
“It’s going to take a lot of momentum and energy to get started this season,” said Bearcats senior Mitchell Niderstros, a Norwin graduate who plays outside/right-side hitter for the Bearcats. “We’re facing a lot of teams that have played for a while.”
An NCAA Division III member, SVC opened the season Jan. 18 with a 3-2 loss to Saint Norbert in Hiram, Ohio. Another defeat followed, 3-0, at Hiram College.
Five players on the 12-man SVC roster are from Westmoreland County.
They are Niderstros, freshman Matt Klasnic (Latrobe), senior Ryan McElhinney (Norwin), senior Gage McCracken (Norwin) and sophomore Thomas Franey (Franklin Regional).
“We’re all passionate about volleyball,” Bearcats senior middle-hitter Collin Neville said. “To be able to do it with Saint Vincent across the chest is really a true honor. We started the season out on the road, and we’re bringing it home.”
SVC is coached by Steve Wisneski, a former Derry standout player and Latrobe coach.
The Bearcats open Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play in 2021.
