UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Former Penn State greats Simone Lee-Wank and Micha Hancock helped USA go 3-1 during the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The week included wins over Ukraine (3-0), France (3-2), and Germany (3-0) and a loss to Canada (3-0). All four matches were played in Quebec City, Canada.
Lee-Wank, a two-time All-American and one-time National Champion for Penn State from 2014-17, played in all four matches for USA in the opening week of play in the VNL. She played a more prominent role in the most recent two matches, totaling 22 kills, one block, and one ace in the five-set win over France and 15 kills and one block in the sweep over Germany. Lee-Wank also contributed defensively with 14 digs against France and eight against Germany.
Hancock, a three-time All-American and two-time National Champion for the Nittany Lions from 2011-14, saw time at setter in three of the four matches, including as the starter in the event-opening sweep over Ukraine. She had 18 assists and a pair of aces in that win. She also had an ace in the win over Germany.
USA now heads to Pasig City, Philippines for the second week of play. That part of the schedule includes matches against Dominican Republic (June 17), Czechia (June 18), Italy (June 20), and Serbia (June 21).