We’re told LIU Brooklyn only had six players on the court at any one time. It seemed like more.

 Quote of the Match #1

“You don’t walk very far if that’s how you play.  If we play like that against Utah, we’ll probably be disappointed in the outcome.” Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose, in an interview with Gordon Brunskill of the Centre Daily Times, on the Nittany Lions’ performance against the Blackbirds of LIU Brooklyn and their chances against Utah tonight in Rec Hall.

Quote of the Match #2

“They’re not a very big blocking team. If little people are blocking big people, it’s either they’re really good blockers or the hitters aren’t very smart hitters. I think the latter was happening [with Penn State hitters against LIU Brooklyn blockers].” Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose, in an interview with Gordon Brunskill of the Centre Daily Times, on the LIU Brooklyn match, in which the Blackbirds, with a front line that included 5-9 Jr. Opp Annika Foit, 5-11 So. OH Tamara Ignjic, 5-9 RS So. MB Nicole Okeke,  and 6-1 Gr. MB Jessica Rice, had seven blocks to Penn State’s eight blocks after two sets.

Hats off to the Blackbirds!

“Pound-for-pound volleyball-wise, we’re just as good as any volleyball team in the country.” LIU head coach Kyle Robinson, in an interview with Gordon Brunskill of the Centre Daily Times.

You can say that again, Coach Robinson.  Your team played lights-out, and we’re totally “hats off” to you and your entire squad.  The match-recap headline from Penn State’s SID’s was “No. 2 Women’s Volleyball Silences Blackbirds.”

From where we were sitting, the only thing Penn State silenced was the Rec Hall crowd.  Sure, LIU Brooklyn lost, but pound-for-pound, inch-for-inch, they outplayed Penn State.

For the record, 6-4 Sr RS/Opp Ariel Scott had 9 kills (.348 attack %), and 3 blocks, 6-6 Sr. MH Katie Slay had 8 kills (a  .412 attack % — which surprises us, as the timing between 5-11 Jr. setter Micha Hancock and Slay seemed to be off for much of the match), and 6-2 Jr. MH Nia Grant 6 kills and 7 blocks.  6-1 Sr. OH Deja McClendon totaled 7 kills and 10 digs. Hancock led the team with 4 service aces.

Match Stats

Courtesy GoPSUsports.com