No. 5 Penn State Women’s Volleyball Moves Past Michigan State In Straight Sets
No. 5 Penn State women’s volleyball (19-2, 8-2) continued its stellar season, winning on the road against Michigan State (14-7, 6-4) in straight sets (25-23, 25-22, 25-17).
How It Happened
The Nittany Lions got off to a quick start in the first set, racing out to a 7-0 lead over the Spartans. Michigan State fought back though, pulling itself within two to make it 12-10. When it looked like Penn State was pulling away at 19-14, the Spartans again pulled themselves within striking distance, down just one point at 24-23. Russ Rose called a timeout for the Nittany Lions, and out of the break sophomore Simone Lee’s kill sealed a 25-23 first set victory for Penn State.
It was more of the same in the second set. Penn State got out to a fast start, taking a 6-0 early lead, but Michigan State kept it close the entire set. Sophomore Haleigh Washington had two kills to put the Nittany Lions up 13-9, but the Spartans rallied back with a 4-2 run to make it 15-13. Penn State continued to hold the lead throughout the entire set, eventually closing it out with a kill from redshirt senior Aiyana Whitney to give the Nittany Lions a 2-0 set advantage heading into the break.
Penn State’s quick starts carried over into the third set when the Nittany Lions took an 11-3 lead, forcing the Spartans to take a timeout. Russ Rose’s group continued to dominate the final set, at one point taking an 18-5 lead. Michigan State — like usual — fought back, but it wouldn’t be enough as sophomore Ali Frantti’s kill clinched a 25-17 set victory, and more importantly another win for Penn State.
Player Of The Game
While it was a balanced attack that led Penn State to victory — five Nittany Lions had at least five kills Saturday night — Simone Lee led the team with ten kills, making her the Player of the Game. Lee had a knack for coming up with a big kill when the Nittany Lions needed it most, like when she secured a first set victory when the Spartans were mounting one of their patented comebacks.
What’s Next?
Penn State will next be in action when it travels to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes on Wednesday, October 29 at 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
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