PENN STATE DOMINATES WITH CONFIDEBCE AND UNITY IN SWEEP OVER MICHIGAN STATE

THE PRESS CENTER | THE NITTANY LEAK | SPORTS

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 12:56 PM

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 24th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions showcased resilience, teamwork, and determination Friday night at Rec Hall, sweeping Michigan State 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-23) in a Big Ten showdown. With this victory, Penn State improved to 16-11 overall and 10-7 in conference play, while Michigan State fell to 18-9, 8-9.

This win wasn’t just about numbers—it was about grit, composure, and the ability to rise to the moment.

🌟 Standout Performances

• Maggie Mendelson led the charge with 12 kills on .429 hitting, proving herself as a reliable offensive force.
• Gabrielle Nichols was flawless in the middle, going errorless with 10 kills on .526 hitting and adding six blocks, a true anchor for both offense and defense.
• Emmi Sellman delivered balance on the outside, recording a double-double (10 kills, 10 digs) while hitting .364.
• Kennedy Martin was electric on the right side, notching her own double-double (11 kills, 12 digs) and serving up two of Penn State’s four aces.
• Addie Lyon, the team’s floor general, orchestrated the offense with 38 assists, while also contributing three blocks, three digs, and one ace.
• Defensively, Penn State was relentless, tallying 56 digs. Gillian Grimes led the back row with 19 digs, inspiring her teammates to keep rallies alive.

🔎 Michigan State’s Effort

The Spartans fought hard, led by Karoli Staniszewska with 12 kills and 10 digs, and Lia Schneider, who anchored the defense with 16 digs. Despite their push, Penn State’s consistency and composure proved decisive.

📖 Set-by-Set Breakdown

Set 1 (25-15) Penn State came out firing, seizing control with a 9-1 lead fueled by early scoring runs. Martin and Sellman combined for key kills, while Nichols closed the set with authority. The Lions never let Michigan State within closer than five points, setting the tone for the night.

Set 2 (25-19) Momentum shifted briefly as Michigan State surged ahead 9-8 after a 5-0 run. But Penn State’s response was powerful: Nichols dominated at the net with three blocks, and Mendelson’s fifth kill sealed the set. Lyon’s ace highlighted the team’s poise under pressure.

Set 3 (25-23) The final set was a battle of wills. Penn State built a 12-7 lead behind Martin’s back-to-back aces, but Michigan State clawed back to tie at 14-14. With the score knotted at 19-all, the Spartans edged ahead 22-21. Yet Penn State refused to fold—Mendelson and Martin combined for a clutch block to secure the sweep, embodying the team’s resilience.

💪 The Bigger Picture

This victory reflects more than just a box score. It’s a testament to Penn State’s ability to:

• Start strong and set the tone early.
• Respond to adversity when momentum shifts.
• Finish with confidence, even in tight moments.

The Nittany Lions proved that when every player contributes—whether through kills, digs, blocks, or leadership—the team becomes unstoppable.

SOURCE CREDIT: https://gopsusports.com/