Match Thread - PSU vs. NE: Fri. Nov 3, 2023 8:30 p.m. ET

Ugh, it's going to be an ugly week for PSU women's volleyball.

I'm afraid to watch. 

I like watching this team even when they falter - I just manage expectations. Of course I prefer them to win!

If the passing is on target this team can compete with anyone in the country. When the passing is good, stats will show 2 player double digit kills on the pins with the inside threat always there (which is huge). Mac is a wizard at setting the table from a Walmart parking lot. I would expect to see her on the National team at some point.

PSU women are forever cursed with "we're playing the Yankees". No matter how good or bad we are, teams are going bring their extra A+ game. Teams aren't just playing Penn State, they are playing a team with the best history in women's volleyball. That is why the announcers for the MSU game said (for a regular season match mind you) their win was a resume builder. I can't imagine the pride these women feel playing for Penn State, but the pressure must be unreal sometimes.

If Penn State is still tweaking the lineup I really hope to see Markley getting more time on the RS. I kind of feel like she may play more consistently there as of now and could do a better job cleaning up some bad/OOS sets. And provides some improved blocking against opponent OHs also.

I really wonder if a 6-2 may be an option still also. I feel like this is a team who could benefit from it given the attack options they have and considering the block they can put up.

I did like how the pin hitters were getting more reps serving the last game too because i think Weatherington, Markley, and Hannah all have pretty strong serves when they’re in so i think it’d be nice to see that more too. And hopefully that could turn to more back row attacking options. Kind of just thinking of anything to lower Mruzik’s attempts a bit to save her arm for some of those longer matches.

Oh I agree with you that recruiting is more of a challenge. There is a lot of talent out there now. Volleyball programs and clubs are producing many more elite players now, and colleges have caught up to the standard Penn State established. We still are getting elite players, there are just more of them. We currently have three 1000 kill hitters, a top ten blocker, and 3 all big 10 first team players. Plus, the other current starters might point out they were sought after recruits with credentials. The recruits coming in are 1st team U.S. Junior players, and all state players. Penn State hosted the first round of the NCAA tournament in Coach Katie’s first year. That was amazing, when everyone was predicting a .500 year. Every team in the top ten knows Penn State has the power to beat them. Ask Oregon and Stanford from last year. Not many programs can say that. Granted, recruits have some great teams to choose from now. But you better believe any high school recruit is “over the moon” if they get a call from Penn State because of the past AND present. We just hope they choose us over other programs.