New Kensington soccer, volleyball players named to all-conference teams

Penn State University Athletic Conference

                                 Casey Cavanaugh        Pascal Bikanura           Noah Korpusik               Hanna Perriello

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington placed three men’s soccer players and a women’s volleyball player on the all-conference teams of the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). Casey Cavanaugh earned first-team soccer honors, and Pascal Bikanura and Noah Korpusik received second-team recognition. Hanna Perriello garnered an honorable mention in volleyball.

Cavanaugh, a junior midfielder from Burrell High School, scored 11 goals and had five assists for 27 total points, which tied him for the team lead with Bikanura. A solid, do-everything player, Cavanaugh even took on the role of the emergency goalkeeper, posting a shutout against Penn State Worthington-Scranton. The 5’10, 180-pound business major was named to the all-conference team for the third consecutive year.

''Casey has been an integral part of this program since the day he arrived, and it's fantastic for him to have a standout season and be recognized for his skill, effort and leadership,” said Jordan Valentine, second-year head coach. “He will look to lead the team next season towards Penn State New Kensington’s first PSUAC championship.''

A freshman forward from Brashear High School, Bikanura’s statistics mirrored those of Cavanaugh -–11 goals, 5 assists, 27 points. The Congo, Africa, native scored a hat trick (3 goals) against Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

"Pasi had a fantastic first year with us and had outstanding stats for a freshman,” said Valentine, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Ohio Valley University in West Virginia. “He is a very skilled player who truly loves the game. The conference definitely took notice of who he is and will be marking him closely next season."

Korpusik, a freshman goalkeeper, was second in the PSUAC in saves (90), goals against average (1.97) and save percentage (.776). The 5’8 product of North Hills High School led the team to the semifinals of the PSUAC championship, losing 1-0 to Penn State York.

"Noah recovered from a terrible ACL injury in his senior year of high school to work back to full fitness and start for us in goal this year,” said Valentine, a native of Preston, England.  “He possesses a very solid skill set and often kept us in games with unbelievable saves to deny the opposition. Noah proved to be a key part of the team."

Under the direction of Valentine, who holds English Football Association Level 1 and Level 2 coaching license, the New Kensington Lions finished the season with a 7-3 conference record and a 9-6 overall mark. They were ranked in the top 25 nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Valentine’s team was fundamentally sound offensively, averaging 3.3 goals per game, third in the conference. The team’s high-powered offense complemented a stingy defense which allowed 2.09 goals per game, second in the PSUAC. The soccer program, which began intercollegiate play in 2010, has reached the postseason in each of its five seasons, advancing to the Final Four four times.

Perriello, a sophomore middle hitter from Burrell High School, topped the team in blocks with 33 and was second in kills (89) and digs (113). The hospitality management major’s block percentage of .86 was fourth in the nation in the USCAA.

"The season was so much fun, and the improvements we made were definitely recognizable,” said Perriello, who will move on to the University Park campus to complete her undergraduate work. “I couldn't imagine playing with a better group of teammates or for a more wonderful coaching staff. I'll miss everyone next year, but thank you so much for the great memories."

"Hanna took on the middle hitter position, moving from years of experience as an outside hitter," said Coach Amy Sigmund. "She definitely pushed through quickly and did what was best for the team. Her success as a middle hitter in just one season was absolutely outstanding."

Sigmund, who holds an MBA from Salem International University, guided the volleyball team to the PSUAC playoffs for the first time since 2008. The New Kensington Lions finished the regular season at 8-8, and lost to eventual conference champion Penn State Fayette in the first round. Overall, volleyball has won six conference titles. Only men’s basketball, with 13 titles, has won more championships for the campus. With the addition of Morgan Ceschini, an excellent setter, Sigmund is putting the pieces in place to increase the championship tally.

“With our top players returning and some solid newcomers, we can quickly become a top contender in the conference,” said Sigmund, a Harwick, Pa., resident. “The team maintained a positive attitude throughout the entire season, and it's been such a true pleasure coaching them."

Sigmund graduated summa cum laude from Waynesburg University. She is a district manager for sales at Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) in Pittsburgh.

For scores, schedules and information on campus athletics, visit http://www.psnkathletics.com/landing/index