The women’s team of Penn State Volleyball completely dominated the Northwestern Wildcats in a bludgeoning showdown. Despite the repeated comeback attempts of the Wildcats, Penn State Volleyball always struck them down with a hammer. Failing to make an impact in any of the sets, Northwestern ultimately succumbed to a clean sweep.

The Penn State Nittany Lions were up against the Northwestern Wildcats in the final home turf match of the 2023 season. A social media post showcased the final moments of the match as the Lions claimed a comeback-defying win. In fact, Penn State Volleyball also ended their home campaign with a solid 13-2 record.

Penn State chops away the claws of the Wildcats

The Nittany Lions entered the match against the Wildcats on 18 November, immediately after their match against the MSU Spartans. But, this didn’t deter their performance as they shut the Wildcats down completely. Penn State Volleyball claimed victory with scores of 25-15, 25-23, and 25-22. Penn State Women’s Volleyball tweeted a video clip of the winning point scored by the Lions. The tweet carried the caption, “Van Den Elzen-Podraza-Mruzik… PENN STATE WINS!”

While the Lions had their foot on the gas from the get-go, the Wildcats couldn’t deliver their best efforts in the first set. This forced them to chase Penn State, who comfortably chopped away the claws of the Wildcats, trying to nick a set. This marked the 19th win of the season for Penn State.

Penn State’s Jess Mruzik led the charge of kills for the Lions and hollowed the Northwestern defense 15 times with her kills. On the other hand, the assist queen of Penn State Volleyball, Mac Podraza, worked her magic and assisted 40 kills. Interestingly, Mruzik and Podraza had also helped the Lions claim victory by crushing the Spartans in another towering showdown.

Mruzik and Podraza do it once again for the Lions

Jess Mruzik is a senior at Penn State University and an outside hitter for Penn State Volleyball. Mac Podraza, on the other hand, is a class graduate who plays the position of the Lions’ setter. Penn State’s offensive output has heavily relied on these two stars in many games, especially the most recent showdowns against MSU and the Wildcats.

Mruzik and Podraza have received multiple honors for their strong gameplay as well. While both these women have contributed significantly to their team this season, they still have a lot more to do. The Penn State Nittany Lions are one of the traditional powerhouses in the NCAA. However, they have suffered eight losses this season, and aren’t one of the top 10 seeds. 

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But the Lions are mending their record and also defeated the Wisconsin Badgers in an epic showdown recently. Moreover, the clean sweep against the Northwestern Wildcats marked their fourth consecutive win in the late season. But, will this be enough for the Lions to make it to the playoffs?

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