Prior to defeating Northwestern and Illinois, Penn State (22-9, 14-6 B1G) was ranked #15 in the most recent AVCA Poll.   The top 16 seeds for the NCAA Tournament get to host.  Penn State, which has an RPI of something like 23, is very unlikely to be one of those top 16-seeded teams.  So, no first two rounds in Rec Hall.  Oh well, on to Seattle?

The good news?  The Nittany Lions defeated Illinois 3-1 (25-18, 26-24, 19-25, 25-21) on Saturday evening, led, once again, by a resurgent 6-1 Jr. OH Ali Frantti, who posted 16 kills, 7 digs, 2 blocks and an ace.  6-1 Jr. OH Simone Lee registered 20 kills with 5 digs, 6-3 Jr. MB Haleigh Washington and 6-2 Jr. MB Heidi Thelen each had 10 kills, and 6-0 Jr. setter Abby Detering distributed 57 assists, leading the team to a .329 hitting percentage for the match.  She also had 7 digs, 2 aces, and 4 kills.

 

Match Stats

Courtesy of GoPSUsports.com

Credits

• Sold out Rec Hall, by Steve Manuel.  Courtesy of GoPSUsports.com
• Ali Frantti, by Craig Houtz.  Courtesy of GoPSUsports.com