Penn State women’s volleyball ended its Florida road trip on a good note Saturday night with a much-needed win over UCF in the two teams’ first-ever meeting.

The No. 12 Nittany Lions (2-1) made easy work of the Knights in a sweep (27-25, 25-21, 25-19) thanks to an excellent performance from senior Jonni Parker, who posted 19 kills on .600 hitting.

How It Happened

Saturday night’s match began with pretty consistent back-and-forth action between both sides, but UCF pulled ahead to a 6-5 lead thanks to a 3-0 run. High production from right side Jonni Parker (four quick kills) helped Penn State retake the lead 8-7 in the first frame.

The first frame largely remained an even match thanks to strong play from Parker and middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord. Graduate transfer Erika Pritchard stepped up down the stretch and posted two quick kills to bring up a 24-23 set point for the Nittany Lions. Penn State stuttered a bit, but back-to-back kills from Hord and Parker won the first set 27-25.

Despite three quick service errors, Penn State jumped out to a 12-7 lead to begin the second frame. The Nittany Lions fended off a 4-0 UCF run and took a 15-13 lead into a media timeout. A handful of attack errors by the Knights, plus a kill from Allie Holland to bring up set point, let Penn State take set two 25-21.

That’s 5 kills for @allieholland_

This one ended set 2 in favor of Penn State!#WeAre
pic.twitter.com/zfiumeUi9S

— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) August 29, 2021

UCF wouldn’t go down without a fight, though. The Knights quickly took an 8-5 lead to begin the third set, attempting to stave off a sweep. Penn State kept its composure and battled back by tying the set 9-9 and taking the lead on an ace from Holland.

A 3-0 run culminated by a solo block from Parker granted Penn State a 25-19 set three win to complete the sweep.

Player Of The Match

Jonni Parker | Right Side/Outside Hitter

Parker did it all Saturday night, folks. The senior captain racked up 19 kills on a .600 hitting clip, becoming the lone Nittany Lion to earn more than 10 kills against UCF. She also notched two digs and two total blocks.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will rest up before heading home to host the Penn State Classic at Rec Hall. Penn State will face Iowa State at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 3.