The Penn State women’s volleyball program held its 15th weekly media availability of the 2023 season via phone Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Nittany Lions’ Sweet 16 matchup against Wisconsin Thursday in Madison.

Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley recapped Penn State’s NCAA tournament opening-weekend wins over Yale and Kansas and discussed what her team will need to do to be successful against the Badgers, who lost to the Nittany Lions in four sets earlier this season at Rec Hall.

No. 5 seed Penn State (23-8, 15-5 Big Ten) will face Wisconsin at 7 p.m. ET Thursday on ESPN2 in the regional semifinals, hoping to avenge last year’s loss to the Badgers in the Sweet 16. Mac Podraza and Jess Mruzik earned AVCA All-Northeast Region first-team recognition Tuesday for their standout play this season.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley

What are your thoughts on the win over Yale?

“Yale’s a really good team. They play hard. I thought it was a competitive match. I was happy with the way we were able to bounce back after some runs of points.”

The team also had a nice five-set win over Kansas last Friday. How important was that to show some grit at the end there?

“I was really proud of the team. They didn’t stop. We competed and I thought did some really nice things. It was a heck of a match for both teams. I thought we found a way to earn a few points there at the end.”

How pleased were you to see Maddy [Bilinovic] have the walk-off ace?

“I was really happy for her. She’s been really working on her serve and being more aggressive, all those things. I thought that she did a nice job and I was really happy for her.”

What are some of the positives that you’ve noticed as far as your team’s preparation so far during the tournament?

“I think the team is focused and I think they’re not only just happy to be here. They want to win. I think they did a lot of great things during the week to prepare themselves and took time to take care of themselves and do their studies and get some extra reps in in the gym. I think that they’re really focused.”

How would you describe the leadership that Mac [Podraza] brings to the team? I saw she pulled the team together in the huddle at the end of the Kansas match.

“Everyone wants to win. I thought Mac did a good job, but I thought everyone had a little bit extra focus, extra grit at the end. I think when you know your season is coming to an end at some point, every little thing you can do to help the team is something that Mac has done a really good job at.”

Jess [Mruzik] and Cam [Hannah] had nice performances against Kansas, too. What have they been doing well lately?

“I think we’re passing well. When we pass well, our middles can score and then keep Cam and Jess possibly one-on-one at times. I think they’re both extremely talented left-sides and aren’t afraid to take big swings. They have the green light to go for it and I think have been doing a really good job with film work and sticking to the game plan.”

We saw Allie [Holland] lay out for some pancakes against Kansas. What’s it like seeing her versatility as a player?

“I think Allie’s one of our best servers, but I think she also has really gotten better at defense and understands that she’s not there just to serve, it’s to actually play the whole game. She’s aggressive. She does that kind of stuff in practice, so it didn’t surprise me. I think she has gotten a lot better as the season has gone on, too.”

What are your thoughts on facing Wisconsin again in the Sweet 16?

“I think this is a really nice environment to be playing in [at the UW Field House]. They do a great job here. I’m excited for our team to experience this atmosphere again. It’s going to be a battle and there are going to be ups and downs. My hope is that the team sticks together and finds ways to earn points and not give up. It’s going to be, ‘Who’s going to stay focused and who’s going to stick to the game plan and stay aggressive?’ I’m excited for the group.”

What stands out about Big Ten Player of the Year Sarah Franklin?

“I think Sarah Franklin is an excellent player. She does a lot of things well. She’ll be able to score points. We’ll have to be able to play defense and find other ways to score. I think she’s had a remarkable season. She’s a fun player to watch.”

They have [Anna] Smrek back from injury now. What kind of challenges does she pose for you guys?

“She’s a really good player as well. I think she makes it difficult at the net for some attackers. She just brings a whole other element to the game. We didn’t play against her the first time around, but I know the team will be ready to go. I think everyone on our side has to do their job in order for us to be successful against this team.”

What impresses you about Wisconsin and its consistency of late?

“I think they’ve done a nice job. I think Wisconsin, the last couple of years, has been really competitive. I think they play hard and they have a lot of veteran players out there now who have some great experience. I know they’ll be ready. I’m expecting a great match.”

During your team’s eight-match winning streak, what are some of the common themes that have been present?

“I think the team has been prepared to go, both physically and mentally, is sticking to the game plan and is trusting that they’re getting better every day we’re in the gym. I’ve said it every day that all 19 of them will impact the success of this team. Whether you’re playing all the time, not playing, or playing a couple points, what you do in practice has helped build this team throughout the season.”

How would you describe the play of your backcourt lately?

“I think they’ve been aggressive. I think that they’ve been making solid changes. We put a lot on them to be able to pass well. I think Gill [Grimes], Maddy [Bilinovic], and Anj [Starck] have done a really good job with that. They’re confident in their skills and are really starting to take some ownership and feel good about that.”

What are some of the positive things you’ve noticed from your assistant coaches this season as far as how they’ve grown?

“I not only tell the team, but I tell the staff that each of them, whether it’s the coaches or strength [and training staff], everyone has an impact on this team and can help. I think everyone’s really taken a step forward, whether it’s in the gym with extra skill work or extra video, just doing a little bit more to help prepare these players the best we can.”

What are your thoughts on North Carolina field hockey coach Erin Matson and what she’s been able to accomplish, [guiding her team to a national championship in year one]?

“I think it’s hard to win. I think for her to be a student-athlete there and then taking over and winning, it’s a remarkable feat. Cheers to her. I think it’s hard to do. Obviously, she had her team prepared and they battled for her, because I don’t think it was all positive when she got the job. I think it’s awesome and I’m happy for her.”

What are some main things that you want to see from your team Thursday against Wisconsin?

“I want to see them leave it all there and feel good about what they’re doing. They’re prepared and they’ll be ready to go. I just want to see them enjoy being with each other and continue to be the best team that they can. I expect them to compete for every point. We’re looking forward to it. It will be a great match. I’m excited for the girls to experience it. It’s sold-out I guess. It will be a fun environment.”