Penn State, the reigning national champs, just hit a snag. Not once, but twice. Arizona State and TCU handed the Nittany Lions some unexpected losses.
ARIZONA STATE STRIKES
Against Arizona State, Penn State had no answer for Noemie Glover. The junior opposite was unstoppable, racking up a career-high 22 kills and 10 blocks. The Sun Devils took the match 3-1, sending shockwaves through the volleyball world. But then, they hit a wall named Pitt.
Pitt swept Arizona State, with Olivia Babcock leading the charge. Her combined 25 kills, seven blocks, and three aces across two matches against TCU and Arizona State helped Pitt bounce back from early losses to Nebraska and Florida. The Panthers moved to 2-2, and just like that, they’re back in the conversation.
THE TCU TURNAROUND
Jason Williams and his TCU squad pulled off something special. Downed by Pitt, they regrouped and took a 3-2 win over Penn State. Sarah Sylvester was a problem, hitting a career-high nine kills on just 14 swings and adding five blocks. That’ll do it. Williams got his first career victory over a top-five opponent, and TCU just missed the Power 10 cut.
NEBRASKA’S NAIL-BITER
Meanwhile, Nebraska nearly faced disaster against No. 7 Kentucky. Down two sets, the Cornhuskers pulled a rare reverse sweep, winning 3-2. It's the first time they've done it against a top 10 opponent since 2018, and under a new head coach, no less. Harper Murray was the hero, smashing 23 kills. This match? Chaos. The good kind. With 1.2 million viewers, it’s now the most-watched regular season match ever on ESPN networks.
Elsewhere, Texas is flexing early, going 9-1 combined against Creighton, Wisconsin, and Rice. Texas A&M stays hot too, now 4-0 with a win over No. 21 Utah.
In the updated Power Rankings, Penn State clings to the 10th spot, while Nebraska holds steady at No. 1. But don’t blink, because this season? It’s already a rollercoaster.
Source: NCAA
