Twenty Nittany Lions hit the pitch, including four individual goal-scorers, in the team's home opener Sunday.
After a standstill first half, the Nittany Lions outplayed their top-25 opponent and ground out a physical win.
The Nittany Lions beat American for the first time in program history.
Typically a powerhouse in women's volleyball, the Nittany Lions began their season 0-2.
After taking the first set, the Nittany Lions dropped the next three and lost 3-1 in their season opener.
The Cavaliers took down the Nittany Lions for the first time since 2019.