Kennedy Martin’s 3rd consecutive monster match (this time with 24 kills on .412 hitting, 7 digs, and 2 blocks) paved the way for #19 Penn State’s 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 20-25, 25-16) win over Northwestern at Rec Hall on Saturday night. (Photo by Ethan Kasales)
Caroline Jurevicius (13 kills) and Maggie Mendelson (11 kills on .526 hitting) also had big matches for Penn State. Addie Lyon set the tone for Penn State throughout match, posting 51 assists as the team hit .326.
The defense came up with numerous critical digs, led by Senior libero Gillian Grimes and Ava Falduto, both with 15 digs. Jordan Hopp contributed a career high 6 digs, as Penn State held Northwestern to a .167 hitting percentage.
Penn State now sports a 10-6 overall record (4-2 in the Big Ten), while Northwestern sits at 12-6 (2-4 in the B1G). Penn State is 60-9 all-time against the Wildcats, with an impressive 37 wins in the past 38 matches against Northwestern.
Post-Match Press Conference
After the match, Coach Katie, Addie Lyon, and Gillian Grimes answered questions from the media. Below is a transcript of the questions and answers, lightly edited for length and clarity.
Opening Statement by Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley
It’s nice to win. I thought these two played great. I think Gill has been playing some great volleyball, and sometimes that gets overlooked, and Addie is setting the ball well and moving it around and playing defense. So I’m happy for these guys. I’m happy that we went 2-0 this weekend, and, you know, tough two matches next week, but we’ll enjoy these two and move on.
Question: Coach, how impressed were you with how your team responded to the quick turnaround?
Coach Katie: In this conference, we’ll play quite a few — next weekend is back-to-back as well. So it’s having the ability to take care of their bodies and to do the right things when they’re not here. They’ve been putting in that effort on and off the court to help themselves be prepared. So I know they’ll continue to do that.
Question: Coach, [tonight was] the same starting lineup as last night. What about that lineup is good to start off the match?
Coach Katie: I think when we’re passing well, Addie can do some things. Our passing has been been good, [on] defense we’ve been picking up a lot more balls. So we wanted to stick with the same one and let them work some things out. I know we have players on the bench that are ready to go. It was nice to see this group close it out tonight, but I know we’ll need some more arms along the way, and I know the players are ready.
Question: What are you been impressed with by Caroline throughout these past two matches? Seven kills last night, 12 kills tonight. Really stepping up.
Coach Katie: I think she’s been a lot smarter with her attacks. She’s not afraid to tip and push the ball deep. I’d like to see her swing away. She’s got to find ways to score. And I thought she did a good job blocking in that fourth set. So, yeah, I think she’s doing a great job.
Question: Coach, how would you describe the way the team is working together so far this season?
Coach Katie: I think they’re pushing each other to be the best they can, and I think that they’re holding each other accountable and doing the right things in practice to make changes, and I’m proud of them for that.
Question: Just for Addie. Now that you’ve had a few games in Big 10 play, what have you learned most about yourself and also about how you’ve worked with the team so far, especially in these conference matchups.
Addie Lyon: Big 10 is no joke. Every night, I think, just being prepared for going from Wisconsin to Northwestern. While they play a different type of volleyball. it’s the same game plan. We’re going in to win, and we can’t take a night off in the Big 10.
Question: Gill, what was it like competing against some friends on the other side of the net tonight?
Gillian Grimes: Yeah, I mean, Rylen [Reid] is a character. She’s one of my best friends, and playing against her, it’s so funny, and especially in the Big 10. It’s just really cool to see where we’ve come to.
Question: For both players, what are some things you thought the team did well tonight?
Gillian Grimes: I think our passing was pretty [good], and they had some pretty good service. So I thought we handled that very well, so Addie could run her offense. But also a few times, I thought our defense was really, really good too, but that was because our block really gets up.
Addie Lyon: I think our passing kept us in system a lot, and I felt I could run whoever I wanted to at any at any point as well, which kept their block honest.
Question: Addie, what are some ways you’re more comfortable now than when you first took over the starting setter job?
Addie Lyon: I think learning the attackers that I’m setting and what kind of balls they want, and chatting through it at practice and figuring it out in games. I’ve trusted them, they’ve trusted me, and we’ve got a few matches under our belt now that I know that they can do their job when I need them to.
Question: Question for Coach or for the players. Traveling out to the Washington, Oregon next week, Did you learn anything last year from traveling out west for an in-conference match, with the time difference?
Coach Katie: It’s just being hydrated and taking care of yourself before we leave. Last year, I think we had a day off in between those [two matches], so it’ll be different now with back-to-back. You have to be prepared, both mentally and physically. We’ll practice Monday, Tuesday, we’ll leave Wednesday afternoon. Give us some time to get out there and practice Thursday. I think we’ll be ready.
Question: For the players. What are some things you like about [Caitie Mayo] the new strength and conditioning coach?
Gillian Grimes: Yeah, I love Caitie. She really hypes us up and is just so into it. It’s really fun, and really excited to see her every day going into the weight room.
Addie Lyon: From the moment she started, the energy was just through the roof. And I think that feeds into how we play and how we want to perform for her.
