UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In support of and to raise awareness for the International Week of the Deaf, the Penn State women's volleyball team will have a Silent Set during its match against Michigan State at Rec Hall on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Fans will remain silent from the opening serve until Penn State scores its ninth point in the first set. The ninth point was chosen in honor of Jonni Parker, a sophomore standout on the Nittany Lions who has moderate hearing loss. The All-American wears jersey No. 9.
"I think the Silent Set is an amazing opportunity to bring awareness and support to those with hearing loss," Parker said. "I believe we all should inspire one another to achieve our best every day and encourage others to chase greatness, regardless of the situation."
Helping with the event will be Ryan Perry, a deaf student manager for the Nittany Lion program.
All fans in attendance will receive a flyer that details how to sign specific cheers and how to use sign language to applaud. Additionally, the student section and band will receive a t-shirt that features "Penn State" spelled out in American Sign Language.
Tickets for Penn State women's volleyball can be purchased online HERE, by calling 1-800-NITTANY, or at the door on the night of the match.
The Nittany Lions are 7-2 overall and are ranked fifth in the nation. The match against Michigan State (9-1) is the Big Ten opener for both teams.
— Penn State Women's Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) September 23, 2019