Penn State’s Gabrielle Nichols shines in ‘Dig Pink’ volleyball win over Rutgers

The annual Penn State women's volleyball team's "Dig Pink" match took place in October, featuring a compelling contest against Big Ten Conference rival Rutgers.

The last time Penn State (13-7) lost to Rutgers (10-12) was in 1982. The Nittany Lions have kept their winning streak going for the past 35 matches, including the weekend’s victory against the Scarlet Knights.

The first set was intensely competitive, with both teams exchanging points. Rutgers initially established a lead, reaching 20-14.

However, Gabrielle Nichols of Penn State dug deep to stir her team’s comeback, securing four points and collaborating with Kennedy Martin for a crucial double block. Her efforts not only narrowed the deficit but ultimately propelled Penn State to win the first set 25-23.

Penn State maintained its momentum into the second set, quickly accumulating 20 points.

Despite the Nittany Lions' strong performance, Rutgers sophomore outside hitter Aspen Maxwell, showcased her offensive and defensive prowess, contributing significantly to the Scarlet Knights' efforts to stay in the match.

It wasn’t enough to break down Penn State’s lines. The Nittany Lions were able to win the second set driving up the points to 20 and then finding the final five to win the set 25-18.

The third set determined whether Penn State would achieve a sweep or if Rutgers could break the Lions' 34-match winning streak against them. Rutgers displayed agile footwork and anticipation.

Despite their effort, Nichols and sophomore Caroline Jurevicius delivered powerful and accurate attacks, with Nichols leading in points and radiating an infectious energy that fueled Penn State's success.

Penn State ultimately won the third set 25-13, completing the sweep.

While everyone was celebrating on the court, Nichols, a freshman from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, found her mom in the crowd.

Asked what she was feeling when she scored the game point, Nichols said, “I got that for her,” referring to her mom.

“I felt just so grateful for the opportunity,” Nichols said.

The Nittany Lions also defeated Ohio State 3-1 on Sunday improving their Big Ten record to 7-3.

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