MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Big-time performances from Kaitlyn Hord and Jonni Parker weren't enough as No. 8 Penn State fell 3-2 (25-19, 16-25, 17-25, 25-15, 10-15) to No. 5 Minnesota in a Big Ten women's volleyball match Sunday night at Maturi Pavilion. The Lions fell to 2-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, while the Gophers upped their unbeaten record to 8-0 overall and in the league.
Hord and Parker had two of Penn State's three double-doubles. Hord's was especially impressive as she finished with a career-high 10 blocks in addition to 12 kills. Parker had another busy night, totaling 21 kills on 55 swings and 16 digs. Gabby Blossom recorded the team's third double-double, registering 50 assists and 13 digs.
Minnesota's star player Stephanie Samedy tallied 19 kills, but it came with a .161 hitting percentage. Taylor Landfair stepped up with a career night with 22 kills on .340 hitting.
After dropping the first set, Penn State put together its best two sets of the young season, winning by nine points in the second and eight points in the third.
The Lions were dominant in the second set, hitting .371 to Minnesota's .000. Parker had five kills and four digs. Macall Peed fueled the lopsided win in set three with her defensive play. The sophomore was all over the floor while totaling six digs.
After a 10-point win in set four, Minnesota never trailed in the fifth set. Anastasiya Kudryashova tied it up at 7-7 in the fifth with a kill, but the Gophers took the lead for good following a kill by Adanna Rollins. They later scored five of the final seven points to get the win.
Three of Minnesota's last four matches went five sets, including a pair of wins over then-No. 13 Purdue last weekend.
Penn State finished with a sizable advantage in hitting percentage (.229-.155) but struggled with its serve reception. The Lions gave up 10 aces, including five by Rachel Kilkelly. The Lions also finished with more kills (61-57), assists (59-54) and blocks (14-7).
Serena Gray and Kudryashova contributed nine kills apiece for Penn State. Annie Cate Fitzpatrick chipped in with eight kills and 11 digs. Peed had a career-best night with 18 digs, matching Hampton for the team lead.
It's a short turnaround for Penn State this week. The Lions are right back on the road to take on Ohio State in Columbus on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Buckeyes are unbeaten at 6-0 after posting two wins over Iowa this weekend.
