When Penn State Women's Volleyball edged out Kansas Women's Volleyball 3‑2 on Aug. 25, 2025, the crowd at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota witnessed a five‑set roller‑coaster that reminded everyone why the Nittany Lions are the defending champions. The match, part of the early‑season neutral‑site showdown, began at 6:30 p.m. and swung back and forth until a clutch rally in the final set sealed the win for Penn State.
Early‑season stakes and a neutral venue
The 2025 preseason calendar placed two top‑15 programs at the same neutral arena for the first time since the inaugural "Week of the Pentagon" series in 2021. Both squads were looking for a statement win: Penn State, freshly crowned national champions last spring, wanted to prove its championship mettle wasn’t a one‑off; Kansas, ranked No. 14, aimed to climb into the top‑five with a quality win.
Sanford Pentagon, a 5,000‑seat facility known for its hardwood court and tight sight‑lines, offered a level playing field. No home‑court advantage meant the match would be decided solely on adjustments, depth, and sheer will.
Set‑by‑set breakdown
Set 1 – Kansas spikes early: The Jayhawks opened with a 25‑19 lead, thanks to explosive attacks from senior outside hitter Megan Selman. Her powerful cross‑court kills kept Penn State on the defensive, and the Nittany Lions struggled to find rhythmic passing.
Set 2 – Penn State finds its rhythm: The Lions rallied behind freshman libero Olivia Reed, whose pinpoint serve‑receives allowed the setters to run clean four‑set offenses. A 25‑22 finish swung the momentum.
Set 3 – A battle of the blockers: Both teams intensified at the net. Penn State’s middle blockers timed a series of well‑placed reads that neutralized Selman’s tips, while Kansas countered with a surprise back‑row attack that edged them a 25‑23 win.
Set 4 – The Nittany Lions claw back: Down 2‑1, Penn State dug deep. A 12‑0 run in the middle of the set, sparked by a double‑block on a Kansas quick set, turned the tide. The set closed 25‑21, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Set 5 – The decisive moments: At 24‑24, Kansas attempted a delicate tip off the right side. Penn State’s defensive specialist read the trajectory, dug the ball cleanly, and unleashed a rapid counter‑attack that resulted in the final point. The crowd erupted as the scoreboard read 15‑13, giving Penn State the series win.
Key individual performances
While Selman’s 21 kills and 3 blocks showcased why Kansas earned a top‑15 ranking, it was Penn State’s depth that shone. Sophomore opposite hitter Jenna Miller logged a double‑double with 15 kills and 9 blocks, while senior setter Emily Torres orchestrated the offense with a 3.1 assist‑to‑error ratio. Freshman Reed’s 28 flawless passes earned her “Rookie of the Match” honors.
Coaches’ perspectives
After the final whistle, Kansas head coach Coach Laura Mitchell praised her squad’s resilience: “We fought hard, and the five‑set stretch showed our heart. We’ll take the lessons from tonight and build on them for conference play.”
Penn State’s coaching staff, led by veteran head coach Coach Mark Rabil, emphasized experience: “Those championship moments come when you trust your teammates and stay composed. The kids showed exactly that when the pressure peaked, especially in the fifth set.”
Implications for the rest of the season
For Penn State, the win reinforces its top‑two standing in the AVCA poll and sends a clear signal to conference rivals in the Big Ten that the championship pedigree remains intact. The match also highlighted the impact of freshman contributions, suggesting a deeper rotation that can weather injuries later in the year.
Kansas, meanwhile, can take pride in pushing the defending champs to the limit. The narrow loss will likely keep the Jayhawks within striking distance of a top‑five ranking, and the experience gained against elite competition should prove invaluable during the rigorous Big 12 schedule.
Historical context of the rivalry
The two programs have met only sparingly in the past decade, with the most memorable clash occurring in 2019 when Penn State swept Kansas in straight sets during the NCAA Regional. Since then, Kansas has climbed the rankings, making this 2025 encounter the first time the Jayhawks have forced a five‑set duel against the Nittany Lions. The match adds a new chapter to a budding rivalry that could become a staple of early‑season non‑conference play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Penn State’s national ranking?
The win keeps Penn State at No. 2 in the latest AVCA poll and solidifies its reputation as the defending champion. Voters cited the five‑set resilience as evidence the team can handle high‑pressure situations, which bodes well for maintaining a top‑two spot throughout the season.
What does the loss mean for Kansas’s postseason hopes?
While a loss, the narrow five‑set defeat against a higher‑ranked opponent boosts Kansas’s resume. The close score shows they can compete with elite programs, a factor the NCAA selection committee considers when assigning at‑large bids.
Who were the standout players for Penn State?
Sophomore opposite Jenna Miller led with 15 kills and 9 blocks, while freshman libero Olivia Reed delivered a flawless 28‑pass performance. Setter Emily Torres also impressed with a 3.1 assist‑to‑error ratio, keeping the offense fluid throughout the match.
Why was the Sanford Pentagon chosen for this matchup?
The Pentagon offers a neutral site with top‑tier facilities and a central location for both teams’ travel schedules. Organizers also wanted a venue that could handle the expected TV production and fan attendance for a high‑profile early‑season clash.
What are the next big challenges for each team?
Penn State will face a grueling Big Ten slate starting in September, beginning with a showdown against Wisconsin. Kansas’s next test comes against conference heavyweight Texas, a match that will likely determine whether they break into the top‑ten by season’s end.
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