Penn State women’s volleyball earn second consecutive sweep, beating Bucknell in three sets

The No. 12 Penn State women’s volleyball squad swept Bucknell Tuesday night. Photo: Makenna Cameron

Penn State’s first service Tuesday night was from Addie Lyon.

Right after her hand hit the ball, the energy surged on both sides of the net in Rec Hall, triggering a fierce matchup between Bucknell (Patriot League) and the Nittany Lions (Big10).

Bison senior Tijana Kostic was first to score, followed by many more points in the match.

However, Maggie Mendleson and Alexis Ewing opted to build a blue and white wall to stop the Bison from dictating the game.

The reigning national Division I champions swept Bucknell in three sets, 25-19, 25-10, and 25-3. Bucknell are 1-5 and Penn State are 4-3.

It was the squad’s second consecutive sweep since their loss to No. 3 Kentucky.

With the rest of the season ahead of them, Ava Falduto, sophomore, and Gabrielle Nichols, freshman, capitalized on building team chemistry, playing in several positions diving, spiking, and killing the ball.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” Nichols said. “It’s every kid's dream to be in my shoes, and I don’t take that lightly, and I walk into the gym every day very grateful to be around such a great coaching staff and even better teammates”.

Kostic, along with fellow Bison, Caleigh O’Connell, tried their best to retaliate. But, the Nittany Lions outhit the Bison. They doubled in the kill category 46-22 favoring Penn State.

Kostic had nine kills and a .375 hitting percentage.

Penn State ran away with the second and third sets. Emmi Selman had 10 kills. And, Lyon earned 35 assists.

“I think it is the best group of girls to be around,” coach Katie Schumacher-Crawley said. “I think they’re strong women and compete hard and do the right thing, and I’m really proud of them.”

No. 12 Penn State will host No. 7 Pitt on Sept. 17 at Rec Hall. Bucknell travels to Canisius for their match on Sept. 12.

Thank you for reading Female Athlete News. Lily Dorf is a student-intern at Penn State University.