Penn State women’s volleyball (12-4, 5-1 Big Ten) got back on the right track Saturday night with a 3-1 win over Northwestern (7-10, 2-4 Big Ten).

Middle blockers Kaitlyn Hord and Allie Holland led the way in the victory by posting a combined 24 kills on .512 hitting.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions and Wildcats exchanged blows to begin the first frame and wound up tied 4-4 early on. Strong play from right-side hitter Jonni Parker helped Penn State pull away and eventually post a 19-14 lead late in the game. The Nittany Lions wound up taking the set 25-21.

Penn State didn’t trail at all in its second set win, which began with a 5-0 run. Setter Gabby Blossom put an exclamation point on the 25-18 set two victory by ending it with an ace.

The match’s third game was easily its most competitive. Set three featured six ties en route to a 25-23 Northwestern win. In fact, the Wildcats never trailed in the third game.

Penn State regained its momentum in the fourth frame and never trailed once. The Nittany Lions bounced out to a 4-0 lead and extended it to 8-2 with Blossom’s third ace of the night (and 19th on the season). Penn State confidently finished the job and won the set 25-19, taking the match 3-1.

Freshman outside hitter Anjelina Starck earned her first career start Saturday night after impressing the night before against Nebraska. She hit .350 in the match to the tune of nine kills, 11 digs, and three blocks.

Middle blockers Kaitlyn Hord and Allie Holland helped fuel Penn State’s win, too. The duo contributed 24 kills and six blocks Saturday night.

Blossom’s efforts helped Penn State hit .372 across the match. She dished out 45 assists and even completed a double-double by tacking on 15 digs.

Penn State has now won 32 of its last 33 matches against Northwestern.

What’s Next?

Penn State will stay in Happy Valley to face Rutgers (8-8, 0-5 Big Ten) on Friday, October 15. First serve from Rec Hall is set for 7:30 p.m.