No. 2 Penn State women’s volleyball welcomed Iowa to Rec Hall Saturday afternoon hoping to put the previous night’s loss to Nebraska in straight sets behind it.

It was the first time the Nittany Lions had been swept at home since 2003, so naturally they took care of business against the Hawkeyes to improve to 11-1 on the season, but not before going to four sets.

How It Happened

Abby Detering delivered a service ace to open the match, and Penn State pretty much dominated from there on out. Haleigh Washington continued her extremely efficient form in the first set, pacing the Nittany Lions to an easy 25-13 win. Shortly thereafter, she surpassed 900 career kills. Redshirt junior Nia Reed made her first collegiate start in the victory at outside hitter.

Midway through the second set, Russ Rose started to mix in a few more substitutions than he did against the Huskers Saturday. Even though Iowa began to pick things up offensively, the Nittany Lions rallied to a 2-0 lead heading into the intermission thanks to a 25-19 win.

The Hawkeyes pieced together a strong third set, pulling away 25-23 to deny Penn State’s hopes of a sweep and force another frame. Detering and Bryanna Weiskircher again split setter duties rather evenly, tallying 27 and 25 assists, respectively. Penn State captured the fourth set 25-17 to to reach 1-1 in conference play.

Player Of The Match

Simone Lee | Senior | Outside hitter

The Menomonee Falls, Wis., native finished with a match-high 22 kills, 10 digs, and a block. She joined Detering and Weiskircher in posting a double-double.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions are back in Rec Hall next Friday at 7:30 p.m. as they welcome Illinois to town.