No. 9 Penn State started its season off right Friday night with an easy sweep of West Virginia. Russ Rose’s Nittany Lions returned to Rec Hall Saturday morning for a 10:00 a.m. match with Georgia Southern in the Penn State Classic, where they kept things rolling with a straight-set (25-13, 25-12, 25-7) victory over the Eagles.

How It Happened

After going with junior Abby Detering at setter against the Mountaineers, Rose gave last year’s starter, Bryanna Weiskircher, a chance to show what she could do in game two. True freshman Kendall White kept up her tremendous play in the blue libero jersey, laying out for a handful of jaw-dropping digs, while showing deft touch from the service line. Penn State opened up an early lead over the Eagles thanks to a balanced offensive attack from Ali Frantti, Tori Gorrell, Simone Lee, and Heidi Thelen, who paced the Nittany Lions with four kills in a 25-13 first-set win.

Lee and Frantti kicked Penn State’s offense into overdrive with a pair of strong showings in the second set. Frantti would finish with seven kills, four digs, and two blocks. Head coach Dustin Wood’s squad simply couldn’t keep up with the technical precision of the Nittany Lions, who cruised to another dominant 25-12 victory. Outside hitter Anna Wenger would go on to lead the Eagles with five kills Saturday morning.

Clearly, Rose’s bunch wasn’t interested in prolonging their lunch break, as Penn State put together its best set of the season to complete the sweep. Junior Haleigh Washington turned in a steady match for the Nittany Lions, with seven kills, five blocks, and four digs. Penn State absolutely demolished the Eagles to the tune of 25-7 in the third and final set.

Player Of The Match

Simone Lee | Junior | Outside hitter

The Menomonee, Wis., native finished with a match-high eight kills, while adding a steady five digs, one block, and an assist.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will cap their doubleheader Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. against North Carolina in the final match of the Penn State Classic.