EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern volleyball is gearing up to wrap up their crucial three-match homestand on Friday evening when they take on the formidable No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. CT and can be viewed live on B1G+.
STORYLINES:
- Friday’s showdown marks the Wildcats’ sixth encounter with a ranked opponent this season. They currently hold an unfortunate record of 0-5 against ranked teams, managing to capture just one set win during these matchups—achieved against Purdue on October 4. Historically, however, Penn State stands out for Northwestern, as they are the only top-five opponent the ‘Cats have managed to defeat, claiming victory over the No. 3 Nittany Lions back in 2015.
- Lauren Carter recently reached a personal milestone, recording her 200th career assist during Sunday’s match against No. 3 Nebraska. With teammate Alexa Rousseau taking on a more versatile role this season, Carter has stepped up significantly in the setting department. Notably, her total of 147 assists this year eclipses her previous single-season best of just 43, which she set while playing at Denver in 2022.
- As the Wildcats prepare for Friday’s contest, they have collectively amassed 170 blocks this season, a testament to their defensive capabilities, with seven different players contributing ten or more blocks each. Their recent performance against Illinois, where they achieved seven blocks, showcases their consistency, as they have recorded seven or more blocks in eight of their 12 Big Ten matches to date. It is worth noting that all but one of these matches concluded in four sets or fewer. Currently, their impressive blocking average of 2.30 blocks per set places them 12th in the Big Ten and 92nd overall in the NCAA rankings.
THE MATCH-UP:
In their storied rivalry, the Wildcats have faced the Nittany Lions a total of 68 times, with a disappointing all-time record of 9-59 against them. Heading into Friday’s match, Penn State has secured victory in the last 11 encounters. The last time Northwestern triumphed over the Nittany Lions dates back to October 10, 2015, in Welsh-Ryan Arena, a long-awaited moment for the program.
Maintaining its stronghold at No. 3 in the national rankings for much of the season, Penn State enters Evanston with a remarkable record of 22-1. Their only setback came in a straight-set defeat against the top-ranked Pittsburgh on September 18. Since that match, the Nittany Lions have successfully dispatched four ranked opponents and have emerged victorious in all 12 of their Big Ten matches to date.
UP NEXT:
Once the action concludes tonight, the Wildcats will turn their attention to a rematch with Iowa in Coralville, Iowa, scheduled for this Sunday. Earlier this season, Northwestern bested the Hawkeyes 3-1 on October 16, and they look to build on that success, with the upcoming match set to begin at 2 p.m. CT.
**Interview with Northwestern Volleyball Head Coach, Kate Smith**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Smith. The matchup against the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions is right around the corner. How is the team feeling heading into this crucial match?
**Coach Smith:** Thanks for having me! The team is definitely excited but also focused. We’ve had a challenging run, but the energy in practice has been positive. It’s a big opportunity for us to compete against a top-ranked team.
**Interviewer:** Northwestern has faced several ranked opponents this season without a win so far. What lessons has the team learned from these experiences that they can apply on Friday?
**Coach Smith:** Every match has provided valuable insights. We’ve identified areas where we need to improve, like maintaining our composure under pressure and executing our game plan consistently. The key will be to play our game and focus on what we can control, rather than the opponent’s ranking.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of focusing on your strengths. How has Lauren Carter’s recent performance made an impact on the team’s strategy, especially after reaching her 200th career assist?
**Coach Smith:** Lauren has really stepped up this season. Her ability to distribute the ball and set her teammates up for success has been critical. We’ve also seen her grow into leadership roles, which helps keep the team organized and motivated. Her milestone is well-deserved and speaks volumes about her dedication.
**Interviewer:** The Wildcats have a historical win against Penn State back in 2015. Does that history come into play for the team’s mindset going into this match?
**Coach Smith:** It certainly does! That win serves as a reminder that we can compete with top teams. We want to draw on that experience and approach the match with confidence. Our history inspires us, and we believe we can have a strong performance.
**Interviewer:** what do you envision as the keys to success in the match against Penn State?
**Coach Smith:** Keeping our serve-receive solid, minimizing errors, and being aggressive at the net will be crucial. We also need to communicate well and support each other throughout the match. It’ll be about executing our game plan effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Smith, for your insights. Good luck against Penn State; we’re looking forward to a thrilling match!
**Coach Smith:** Thank you! We appreciate the support. Go Wildcats!