Penn State women’s volleyball moves to 8-0 after Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge

Story posted September 14, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by McKenna Wall

The Nittany Lions traveled to Minneapolis this past weekend, where they earned their third tournament victory. Penn State moved up the ranks in the AVCA poll from No. 20 to No. 11.

In addition to the team gaining a higher ranking, two individual players were recognized by the Big Ten with weekly awards.

After leading Penn State in kills, graduate student outside hitter Kashauna Williams picked up the Co-Player of the Week title.

Williams put up 16 kills and two blocks against Stanford, followed by 16 kills and five blocks against Oregon.

Her consistency throughout the tournament made her a rock for the blue and white.

The Los Angeles native is now tied with sophomore Anjelina Starck in overall season kills. An impressive feat, considering Williams has played in 27 sets to Starck’s 31.

Junior middle blocker Allie Holland was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Holland must have been on cloud nine after this weekend; she put up nine blocks in each match.

In addition to protecting Penn State’s side of the court, she contributed to the Penn State offense.

Holland had six kills and two aces against Stanford. The next day, she tallied nine kills against Oregon.

On Friday, Penn State claimed victory over Stanford for the first time since 2017.

Coming in hot in the first two sets, Penn State took the lead over Stanford. Then, the Nittany Lions dropped the third set, 25-17. Stanford clutched the fourth set, 25-23.

The Cardinal continued to fight, making for a back-and-forth fifth set, but the blue and white was able to come out on top.

Williams contributed offensively, totaling 16 kills, while Starck also hit double digits with 12 kills.
Putting up nine blocks, Holland stepped up on defense. Senior outside hitter Zoe Weatherington was right behind Holland with eight blocks.

While the Nittany Lions’ front row was impressive, the back row did not disappoint, either.

Both junior libero Maddy Bilinovic and freshman defensive specialist Gillian Grimes had 11 digs, with setter Seleisa Elisaia tallying 10 digs.

The Cardinal offense showed up, but could not compete with the blue and white back row.

This historical win gave the Nittany Lions momentum heading into their match against Oregon.

On Saturday Sept. 10, Penn State battled in a five-set match against Oregon, before picking up their eighth-straight win.

Penn State started off the match strong with a win, before falling short in the second set, 25-15.

The blue and white picked itself up and fought for a third set victory, but the momentum did not last, as the Ducks snatched a fourth set win.

The Nittany Lions clawed their way to victory, winning the fifth set, 15-9.

Similar to its match against Stanford, the Penn State defense paved the way for this win.

Bilinovic had a career high 22 digs, and Grimes tied her career high of 11 digs.

Elisaia kept the trend, tallying 11 digs for the Nittany Lions. Williams and Weatherington had double-digit kills, leading the blue and white in the front row.

This weekend, Penn State will host Howard, Albany and Coastal Carolina in the Penn State Classic.

 

McKenna Wall is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.