Valerie Nutakor and Erin McNair contributed to Princeton sweep against Central Michigan: women’s volleyball

Valerie Nutakor and Erin McNair were standouts during the Princeton women’s volleyball match against Central Michigan Saturday in the Penn State Classic tournament.

Princeton women’s volleyball were quick to rebound in the Penn State Classic after losing to Penn State in five sets several hours earlier Friday evening.

The Tigers, along with the Nittany Lions, and Central Michigan were featured in the three-day tournament. Princeton swept Central Michigan in three sets on Saturday. The final day of the tournament in Sunday (Penn State vs Central Michigan).

Starting the match hot, Valerie Nutakor and Erin McNair came out with multiple powerful kills, showing the same determination they had last match against Penn State. Nutakor brought her fierceness from Friday night’s match into Saturday’s, scoring point after point for the Tigers. 

On the opposite side of the court, Central Michigan started rocky, trying to find a rhythm within the players and their movements. As the first set came to an end, Princeton led 25 to 10.

They continued to bring that energy level into the second match. However, the Chippewas slowly started to attack their way back. 

In the sea of yellow of Central Michigan, a player in white stood out, shining.

Libero Alina Anderson made friends with the floor multiple times in the match. She took every opportunity she could to dive and run for the ball, fighting to keep it in bounds.

At one point, Anderson slid into a split twice to bring back the ball for her teammate, Taylor Cripe. 

As a freshman outside hitter, Cripe succeeded in showing what an amazing player and asset to the team she is. She attacked the ball with an insane amount of power behind it, cracking the ball against the hardwood floor again and again. 

With Cripe’s hard work and the team's determination, Central Michigan broke free and got the lead on Princeton.

The energy of the match shifted as the Chippewas began to hit hard against the Tigers. The stands roared with the screams of Central Michigan’s fans and family. 

During the third set, Princeton called a timeout, giving everyone a moment to soak up the feeling of excitement, as the underdogs clawed their way back up. However, once the timeout was over, Princeton came back with a look of determination. 

Just as they did before, the Tigers brought their A game, catching up quickly to their opponents. The scene was set, 24 to 23; one point on either side could make or break the game for the Chippewas and the Tigers. As Central Michigan served the ball, Princeton dove, and the ball fell out of bounds.

Princeton began to cheer, but fell quiet as the play was challenged. As the minutes ticked by and the officials deliberated, the fans sat on the edges of their seats, waiting for the decision that could change the outcome of the match.

As the official’s hand went up, the music was cut, and the arena stilled. The point was given to Central Michigan, giving them a second chance at winning the set. 

However, Nutakor knew what she had to do and slammed down a kill, bringing the Princeton Tigers another victory.

The final sets were 25-10, 25-17, and 27-25 Princeton.

With their win, Head Coach Sabrina King felt there was one thing that helped them come out victorious.

“I think we took some momentum and confidence from last night,” King said. “We didn't necessarily improve on anything, but I think we executed a game plan really well today.” 

Princeton now begin the battle of the Ivy Leagues, playing the University of Pennsylvania on Friday, Sept. 26. Central Michigan will go head-to-head with the Penn State Nittany Lions Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 pm. 

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