Make it six wins in a row for the Nittany Lions. No. 6 Penn State men’s volleyball (7-2) picked up an impressive road victory, sweeping the Harvard Crimson (3-5) in straight sets (25-23, 25-21, 25-21). Penn State remains at the top of the EIVA standings at 7-2 (2-0 in conference play), and it’s the only team with a record above .500.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions played from behind for much of the first set, facing an early 3-0 deficit and not taking the lead until it was 22-21. From there, both sides traded points before Penn State clinched the set off a service error from Harvard’s Casey White and an attack error from Branden Clemens. Chris Nugent and Aidan Albrecht both played big roles in the first set victory, with the duo combining for eight kills.

The second set was just as close as the first one, with neither side having more than a four-point advantage at any time. The Nittany Lions controlled the beginning portion of the set, but Harvard hung around to tie it at 21-21. In championship form though, Penn State rattled off four straight points to take the second set 25-21. Nugent again came up big for the Nittany Lions, hitting two aces to help seal the set and take a 2-0 set advantage.

Penn State finished off the Crimson in the final set, but Harvard didn’t go down easily. Like the previous two games, the Crimson kept things close with the Nittany Lions, but in the end Penn State made the plays when it needed them the most. With Penn State down 19-18, the Nugent and Albrecht combination again went to work for the Nittany Lions, combining for five of the team’s last seven points. Nugent’s final kill secured a 25-21 set victory and a Friday night road win.

Player Of The Game

Chris Nugent | Junior | Outside Hitter

While Albrecht played a terrific game too, we’re giving Nugent Player of the Game honors. The junior was once again the star for the Nittany Lions, leading Penn State with 19 kills and 21.5 points.

What’s Next?

Penn State is back in action Saturday night when it squares off against Sacred Heart on the road.