Penn State Volleyball SLUMPS! What Happened to the Nittany Lions?
The Penn State women's volleyball team, initially ranked No. 2, has experienced a rollercoaster of a week, leading to a drop in the AVCA poll. After a strong start to the season, securing wins against ranked opponents like Creighton and Kansas at the AVCA First Serve event, the Nittany Lions suffered a setback against No. 13 Arizona State at the State Farm Women’s College Volleyball Showcase.
Loss to Arizona State
In a match held at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Penn State fell to Arizona State 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 31-29). Despite a strong performance from Kennedy Martin, who recorded 23 kills and 12 digs, the Nittany Lions couldn't overcome the Sun Devils' balanced attack, led by Noemie Glover's 22 kills and 10 blocks. Penn State started strong, winning the first set with impressive hitting, but Arizona State's defense tightened up in the subsequent sets, contributing to Penn State's hitting percentage dropping significantly.
TCU Matchup and Ranking Drop
Following the loss, Penn State faced No. 25 TCU. The result of that match will likely further influence their ranking. As of the latest AVCA Poll, Penn State has dropped to No. 5, with Nebraska reclaiming the top spot. The Big Ten conference continues to be well-represented in the rankings, with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue, UCLA, and USC also featured.
Key Players and Team Dynamics
The Nittany Lions are relying on key players like Kennedy Martin and Emmi Sellman, both transfers, to bolster their offense. Caroline Jurevicius is also a key contributor. The team's ability to minimize unforced errors will be crucial as they navigate the season. Arizona State's rebuilt front court, powered by Oregon transfers Noemie Glover and Colby Neal, proved to be a formidable challenge.
Looking Ahead
Penn State will aim to rebound from their recent struggles as they prepare to host No. 4 Kentucky. This home match will also serve as an opportunity to raise their national title banner, celebrating last season's championship victory. The team will need to address their inconsistencies and capitalize on their strengths to maintain their position among the nation's elite volleyball programs.