The Penn State women’s volleyball program recently posted its 2021 roster, which features 21 players, six freshmen, and three transfers (new jersey numbers in parentheses).
Adanna Rollins (1), Erika Pritchard (5), and Katie Clark (11) joined the Nittany Lions this offseason after standout careers at Minnesota, Maryland, and TCU, respectively. Each could wind up playing a significant role this season.
Penn State’s 2021 recruiting class is now finalized with the recent addition of defensive specialist Lexi Skripek (4). She’s joined by outside hitter Anjelina Starck (10), middle blocker Erika Williams (8), setter Rachel Muisenga (22), and defensive specialists Cassie Kuerschen (12) and Quinn Menger (24).
There are only six players remaining from Penn State’s 2019 roster on this year’s team — Jonni Parker, Gabby Blossom, Kaitlyn Hord, Jenna Hampton, Emily Oerther, and Sophie Walls. Parker and Hord were named AVCA All-Americans for the third straight season following a 2020 campaign that saw the Nittany Lions eventually lose 3-1 to Texas in the Sweet 16.
Williams, who hails from Houston, Texas, is listed at 6-foot-1 on Penn State’s updated roster. She will compete for playing time at middle blocker with Hord, Clark, and sophomore Allie Holland. Menger, a Powhatan, Virginia, native, will play defensive specialist for the Nittany Lions after being a setter for St. Catherine’s School.
This year’s team has nine seniors, so Russ Rose and his coaching staff will have plenty of experienced players to rely upon for leadership during a solid portion of away matches in non-conference play. All but Pritchard are eligible to return in 2022 if they choose to exercise their extra season.
The Nittany Lions open their 2021 season with a doubleheader in Orlando August 27 against Georgia Tech (10 a.m. ET) and St. John’s (4 p.m.). They play tournament host UCF the following night at 7:30 p.m. before returning to University Park for the Rec Hall home opener against Iowa State September 3 at 8 p.m.