Jess Mruzik's 21 kills and outstanding defensive showing elevated the Nittany Lions to the third round.
Penn State remains undefeated in conference play.
Penn State suffered through miscues on both sides of the ball to drop its second consecutive game.
Penn State's late comeback bid fell short.
The Nittany Lions advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament following a dominant sweep.
Penn State took away five more steals than Purdue.