Nov. 20, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 1 and Big Ten Champion Penn State women's volleyball team (27-2, 17-1 Big Ten) is back in action at home in Rec Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions challenge No. 14 Ohio State (22-8, 13-5 Big Ten).
The match will be streamed live at GoPSUsports.com. The match has been dubbed "Family Night" and all children eighth grade and below with an accompanying adult will be admitted free.
Nittany Lion Preview
The Penn State women's volleyball team is now 27-2 overall and 17-1 in the Big Ten after a 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-22) sweep of Indiana on Nov. 16 and a 3-1 (25-16, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21) win against Purdue on Nov. 17. Junior Ariel Scott (Ridgewood, N.J.) had a team-best 4.29 kills per set, while junior Deja McClendon (Louisville, Ky.) averaged 3.43 kills per set. Sophomore Micha Hancock (Edmond, Okla.) dished out 10.43 assists per set and 2.00 digs per set. Sophomore Dominique Gonzalez (San Antonio, Texas) and McClendon each averaged 2.29 digs per set. Sophomore Nia Grant (Warren, Ohio) put up a team-high 1.29 blocks per set.
For the weekend, the Nittany Lions hit .373 and averaged 13.43 kills, 11.57 assists, 1.71 aces, 10.00 digs and 2.79 blocks per set.
Penn State vs. Ohio State
Penn State owns a 39-14 record against the Buckeyes dating back to 1981. The Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes met earlier this season at Ohio State on Oct. 17. Penn State came away with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) sweep.
Last Five Meetings
PSU 3-0, at OSU, Oct. 20, 2010
PSU 3-0, at PSU, Nov. 17, 2011
PSU 3-0, at PSU, Oct. 19, 2011
PSU 3-1, at OSU, Nov. 23, 2011
PSU 3-0, at OSU, Oct. 17, 2012
Scouting the Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are 22-8 this season and own a 13-5 record in Big Ten action. Ohio State has won eight of its last nine matches, including four straight. The Buckeyes have also recorded wins against nationally-ranked Nebraska and Purdue.
Penn State vs. Michigan State
Penn State leads the series with Michigan State 36-6 dating back to 1985. The Nittany Lions have won the last 17 matches dating back to Sept. 26, 2003. All but five of those matches were 3-0 sweeps.
Last Five Meetings
PSU 3-0, at MSU, Oct. 17, 2009
PSU 3-0, at PSU, Nov. 27, 2009
PSU 3-0, at PSU, Oct. 1, 2010
PSU 3-1, at MSU, Nov. 6, 2010
PSU 3-1, at MSU, Nov. 26, 2011
Scouting the Spartans
Michigan State owns a 23-7 record this season and is 11-7 in the Big Ten. The Spartans have won seven of their last eight matches, including defeating nationally-ranked Nebraska and Minnesota. Michigan State visits Michigan on Nov. 21 before coming to Penn State.
What's Next?
Penn State closes out the regular season on Nov. 24 against Michigan State. Action is set for 8 p.m. at Rec Hall. The squad's two seniors will be honored prior to the match.
For more information on the Penn State women's volleyball team, please visit GoPSUsports.com. The Penn State women's volleyball 2012 season is presented by Rockvale Outlets.
The Penn State women's volleyball team is on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us @PennStateVBALL and at www.facebook.com/pennstatewomensvolleyball.