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The world of Penn State volleyball experienced its first significant twist of the season as the number two ranked team fell short against the thirteenth ranked Arizona State. The intense match held on Sunday at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh ended with a score of 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 31-29), marking a challenging start for the Nittany Lions in the State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase.
With this defeat, Penn State’s record now stands at 2-1, looking ahead to a matchup against the twenty-fifth ranked TCU. That critical match is set for 5 p.m. on Monday at the same venue.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
A standout performance from Kennedy Martin showcased her prowess on the court as she recorded an impressive .312 hitting percentage, contributing 23 kills, 12 digs, and three blocks. This match was notable as it marked her 56th consecutive match with double-digit kills, highlighting her consistency and commitment to the game. Arizona State’s Noemie Glover matched Martin’s intensity, racking up 22 kills and 10 blocks, making her a formidable opponent throughout the match.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
The match began with promise for the Nittany Lions, who claimed the first set with a strong showing, hitting .519. An impressive effort from Izzy Starck, who provided 10 assists, set the tone. Caroline Jurevicius contributed with a remarkable .833 hitting percentage, securing five kills, while both Martin and Emmi Sellman added four kills each. Penn State’s determination in this set was clear as they established a lead with a crucial 3-0 run.
However, Arizona State mounted a challenge in the second set. Despite only hitting .167, they clinched a defensive battle with the final score of 25-23. The Nittany Lions, who seemed to have the upper hand at 21-20, faced a sudden shift as the Sun Devils rallied back for the win.
The third set saw Arizona State amplify their game, showcasing five blocks to secure a commanding 25-20 victory. Although Penn State closed the gap to two points at 16-14, they were unable to find the rhythm needed for a comeback.
The fourth set turned into an electrifying back-and-forth, with 22 ties and 11 lead changes. Martin and Glover each traded blows, with Martin scoring 11 kills and Glover hitting .471 with 10 kills. Despite leading at pivotal moments, including a chance for set point at 24-23, Penn State faced heartbreak as Arizona State claimed the set 31-29 and the match overall.
What’s Next for Penn State Volleyball?
The Nittany Lions will undoubtedly need to regroup after this challenging match. With their next game against No. 25 TCU on the horizon, Coach and players alike will focus on refining their strategy and leveraging their strengths to secure a win. The upcoming match is set to air on FOX, providing an excellent platform to showcase their capabilities.
Conclusion
This early loss serves as both a lesson and an opportunity for growth for the Penn State volleyball team. As fans remain hopeful, the players are eager to hit back with determination and focus in their upcoming games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Penn State vs. Arizona State match?
The final score was 3-1 in favor of Arizona State.
When is Penn State’s next volleyball match?
Penn State will face No. 25 TCU on Monday at 5 p.m.
How did Kennedy Martin perform in the last match?
Kennedy Martin recorded 23 kills with a hitting percentage of .312 in the match against Arizona State.
What impact did this loss have on Penn State’s record?
This loss brought Penn State’s record to 2-1 for the season.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Key players included Kennedy Martin for Penn State and Noemie Glover for Arizona State.
