The defending champs are back. Penn State Women's Volleyball, riding high after clinching that eighth national title, is starting the 2025 season with a bang. They're hitting the court for the AVCA First Serve, facing off against No. 12 Creighton and No. 14 Kansas.
CHAMPIONS BACK IN ACTION
This isn't just any opener. The Nittany Lions are diving straight into the deep end. Saturday at 5 p.m. ET, they face Creighton at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's a rematch of last year's NCAA Regional Final. Remember that five-set thriller? Yeah, the Bluejays remember too.
Then, on Monday at 6:30 p.m. ET, they'll take on Kansas at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Both matches are must-watch TV, airing on FS1 and B1G Network, respectively.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Let's be real. Penn State's 39-9-1 record in season openers speaks volumes. And head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley knows how to start strong, going 2-1 in her tenure's openers. Last season? They took down No. 15 Tennessee. This year's opener against a ranked opponent marks their third in a row. Talk about setting the bar high.
REMATCH AND RIVALRY
Creighton, fresh off a 32-3 season and an 18-0 Big East record, is under new leadership. But the memory of last year's five-set loss to Penn State is still fresh. Gillian Grimes and Izzy Starck were clutch in that win, with Grimes notching 17 digs and Starck contributing 41 assists. They’ll need to bring that same heat to start the season strong.
BIG NAMES, BIG MOMENTS
Don't sleep on Jess Mruzik, last season's MVP, or Camryn Hannah, who made waves in the championship run. They're back to lead the charge. And with Penn State competing in the AVCA First Serve for the seventh time, the stage is set for some early fireworks.
And just like that, the season's underway. Penn State's got the pedigree, the talent, and the drive. Now, it's about executing on the big stage.
That'll do it.
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Source: gopsusports.com
