The No. 5 Penn State women’s volleyball team traveled to Ann Arbor to take on No. 23 Michigan in a key Big Ten matchup. The Nittany Lions lost their last away game to Northwestern, but made a quick rebound against the Wolverines Wednesday night, winning in five sets (25-18, 22-25, 18-25, 25-20, 15-7). With the victory, Penn State increased its overall record to 18-2 (6-2, B1G), while Michigan dropped to 15-5 (5-4, B1G).

How It Happened

The Wolverines came out firing against the Nittany Lions and quickly gained a 7-2 lead in the first set, prompting Head Coach Russ Rose to call a timeout to talk things over with his team. Penn State valiantly stormed back in the set and wound up stealing it 25-18. The match was not all smooth sailing for Penn State, as the Wolverines took the next two sets, putting the Lions’ aspirations of victory in doubt.

Despite a third set onslaught from a scrappy Wolverines team, the fourth set was even all the way until the end as points were awarded back and forth throughout. Bryanna Weiskircher dominated the service for the last few points allowing the Nittany Lions to take the fourth set. Penn State stormed ahead in the fifth and final set, culminating in an Ali Frantti finishing kill to give the Lions both the set and match.

Player Of The Game

Player of the Game honors for last night’s thriller belong to Bryanna Weiskircher. Although she may not have had the best statistical game, she carried the team through the final points of the fourth set with her tenacious serves. Without her sharpshooting from the service line, the Nittany Lions may vey well have found themselves facing their third loss of the season.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions remain in the state of Michigan, this time taking on Michigan State in East Lansing on Saturday, October 24 at 8 p.m. and look to extend their winning streak to four games against the Spartans.