1st	2nd	3rd	Total
Maryland	17	16	15	0
Penn St.	25	25	25	3

It was one of the strongest offensive performances that the Nittany Lions have had in the season. Kennedy Martin led the match with 19 points from 17 kills and 4 blocks. Martin has scored at or above 6 points/set for the past 7 matches. Alexis Stucky also continued her good form with 40 assists and 6 points: 3 kills (from 3 errorless attempts), 2 service aces and 2 blocks. She also set the team to a season-high hitting efficiency of .426. Stucky spread the offense around and gave the other hitters plenty of opportunities to score.

Emmi Sellman was second on the team in scoring with 11.5 points. She had 8 kills, 3 blocks and 2 service aces. In addition to her improved attacking, Sellman continues to show that she contributes in other aspects of the game as she is one of the better left side blockers for the Nittany Lions and her serve continues to challenge the opposing team’s receivers. Middle Blockers Kendall Northern and Gabrielle Nichols both had great offensive and defensive nights. Nichols had 8 kills with a highly efficient 0.538 (second only to Stucky’s 1.000) and 3 blocks. Northern had a team-high 6 blocks in addition to her 5 kills (0.400 hitting percentage). Whitney Lauenstein also had a notable evening with 8 points from 7 kills and 1 ace.

It was one of the Nittany Lions most productive matches as the team scored 22 points/set, including an impressive set 3 where all 25 points the Nittany Lions earned were from their scoring (18 kills, 5 blocks , 2 service aces). The Nittany Lions led in all aspects of the game including making fewer errors. Particularly impressive were the gaps in kills (49-32), blocks (9-3), digs (41-29) and a masterful service performance (8 aces to 4 errors for the Nittany Lions).

With their 8th consecutive win, the Nittany Lions record another 20-win season as they go up 20-5 and 12-3 in the B1G. The Nittany Lions sit at 2nd in the conference together with Oregon and Wisconsin having similar records. Penn State will have their last away match in the B1G regular season against #25 Illinois on Saturday (11/14) – a win would clinch the Nittany Lions a second-round bye.

Post-Match Interviews

After the match, DigNittany’s Ethan Kasales had a chance to interview Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley.

Ethan Kasales: Another big night for Kennedy (Martin) and (Alexis) Stucky. What stood out about their play?

Coach Katie: I just think they’re working every day to get better. On both sides of the ball, defensively, I think Ken’s making some good reads and picking up tips and roll shots, and same with Stucky. We talk about digging first before she has to release to the net, and I just think they’re super focused and eager to get better.

Ethan Kasales: You guys hit over .400 in each set. What was working well offensively for you?

Coach Katie: I thought we passed well. I thought our attackers were working hard in transition and found ways to score. I thought it was a total team effort.

Ethan Kasales: Really successful weekend for you last weekend as well. What was working well in those two road environments?

Coach Katie: I thought the team did a great job, and everyone stayed focused. Whether they’re playing or not, everyone’s doing their job in practice and getting the team better.

Ethan Kasales: What have been some of the keys to this winning streak for you guys?

Coach Katie: I think just taking it one set at a time, staying focused, and doing the right things on and off the court.

Ethan Kasales: Today’s National Signing Day. How rewarding is it to see two-plus years of work?

Coach Katie: And it’s Veterans Day, so I’d like to thank all the veterans. I’m super excited about our incoming players and so excited to get them to Penn State. They all had great high school and club careers, and it’ll be fun to get them here.

Ethan Kasales: Maybe just one or two thoughts about each player that you have coming in.

Coach Katie: Olivia (Henry) is a great attacker, but plays six rotations, and I think just has a great feel for the game. I think all of them will be fun to watch. Molly (Roberston) will come in, and she has great experience as a setter, back-row player. She’s a Pennsylvania kid. Her parents are Penn Staters, and she’s excited to be a part of Penn State. We’re really happy to have a Pennsylvania kid. Taylor (Harrington) has been coming to camp and wanted to be a Penn Stater since day one. I’m so happy to have her, and she’ll contribute in the middle. Nejari (Crooks) is an explosive, high-flyer, lefty opposite that can also set. She’s another one that can play six rotations, and I think she’s just a great volleyball player. I’m excited to have her. And Kate (Kalczynski) is another six-rotation outside hitter who will contribute in a lot of different areas on the court. All five of them will make an impact and have great attitudes and will look good in blue and white.

Ethan Kasales: And then last one. Do you expect any of them to be on campus in the spring?

Coach Katie: Yes! All five of them will be here in January, so we’re excited for them to get on campus, start classes, get with the team, start lifting, and get in the gym with us. We’re looking forward to that.

Box Score

Match Details