Sports

Volleyball Wins Five-Set Thriller Over No. 5 Penn State

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2025

PITTSBURGH – Playing in front of over 5,000 fans and on a national TV audience, No. 24 TCU volleyball overcame adversity to win an emotional five-set battle over the defending national champions, No. 5 Penn State, on Monday evening at PPG Paints Arena.

The Horned Frogs (1-1, 0-0 Big 12) were firing on all cylinders, taking the first two sets in dominant fashion. Just as they were looking to make a statement and sweep the Nittany Lions (2-2, 0-0 Big Ten), senior captain Jalyn Gibson went down with an injury and was helped off the court.

Penn State was able to find its footing and even the match, forcing a fifth set, but TCU rallied behind Gibson and gritted out the second-highest ranked win in school history and first over a top-5 team since 2016 (vs. No. 8 North Carolina). It also marked the best win of the Jason Williams Era at TCU, as the Frogs’ head coach picked up his first career win over a top-5 opponent.

“That was a really, really high resilient win for us,” said Williams. “It’s tough to lose a captain and a big piece of our team during the third set there […] but I’m really proud of the team and how they figured out some things and we were able to pull it out there in the end.”

Sophomores Evan Hendrix and Becca Kelley led the TCU attack. Hendrix finished with 14 kills, and Kelley totaled 13. Senior Sarah Sylvester added a career-high nine kills on just 14 swings for a .571 clip to go along with five blocks. She was one of three Frogs to total at least five blocks, joined by Alexis Roberson (6) and Lauren Murphy (5).

The real difference in the match was in the serve and pass game, where TCU tallied 11 aces to Penn State’s four. Six Frogs recorded an ace, including Gibson, who finished with three, and freshman Samara Coleman, who recorded the first of her young career.

TCU set the tone early, going on a 6-0 run that featured back-to-back aces from Alice Volpe to take a 9-3 lead and force a Penn State timeout. The Frogs continued to pour it on, leading by as many as 12 at 21-9 in the first set over the reigning champs. Penn State didn’t go away quietly, but TCU finished off the first set 25-19.

The Frogs’ offense really caught fire in the second set, hitting .385 as a team. Both teams battled back and forth through the first 10 points before Roberson slammed down a kill to spark a 6-0 run through the media timeout. From there, there was no looking back as TCU closed out the set on an 8-2 run for a dominant 25-15 set victory over fifth-ranked Penn State.

With all the momentum on their side, the Frogs jumped out to an 8-5 lead in the third set before Gibson left the match with an injury. TCU battled to close things out for its captain, remaining tied with the Nittany Lions through 20-20, but a late 5-0 run gave Penn State the third set.

Working through different lineups, TCU searched for rhythm in the fourth set and found it down the stretch. Unfortunately, the Penn State lead was too large as it forced a decisive fifth set.

Looking to avoid the reverse sweep and finish what they started, the Frogs came out on a 3-0 run to start the fifth set. TCU continued to score in bursts, forcing the Penn State attackers to hit errantly and into blocks. The Frogs never trailed in the set as TCU clinched the top-5 victory on a service error, 15-12.

TCU looks to continue the momentum this week when the Frogs return home to Schollmaier Arena for their home opener against No. 19 UCLA on Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6.

For all the latest TCU volleyball news, follow the Frogs on X at @TCUVolleyball, on Instagram at @tcuvolleyball and on Facebook at TCU Volleyball.

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Meet the Rapid City Journal’s 2025 Best of the Black Hills volleyball team

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11 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

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WholeHogSports Athletes of the Year: Arkansas Razorbacks had 4 of nation’s best in 2025

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27 minutes ago

December 24, 2025

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WholeHogSports Athletes of the Year: Arkansas Razorbacks had 4 of nation’s best in 2025 | Whole Hog Sports

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The Wright Choice: CSUB Volleyball Welcomes New Head Coach

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A national search for the new Head Coach of the Cal State Bakersfield volleyball team produced dozens of qualified applicants with elite accomplishments, but the candidate who stood out among the crowd was, coincidentally, originally from right down the street. CSUB Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy has announced that Bakersfield native Kristen Wright will take the helm of the Roadrunner volleyball program.

A Stockdale High School graduate who went on to earn All-America honors in college, Wright (née Hurst) has put together a coaching resume as equally as impressive. With championship coaching experience at every level of amateur volleyball, Wright brings coaching Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year accolades in her return to Kern County.

“From the moment we began this search,” Tuohy said, “it was clear that Kristen was the right leader for this program. Her vision for Roadrunner Volleyball aligns directly with where we are headed as a department, and she has a proven ability to build programs back to championship caliber. There is no one better to represent and sell this university and the city of Bakersfield than someone who understands and loves this community so deeply.”

Wright served the past eight seasons at the University of North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Inheriting a squad that posted a 13-19 record prior to her arrival in 2018, Wright quickly turned the program around, finishing with a 25-8 showing in just her third full season with the Ospreys.

During that 2021 run, Wright’s squad made it to the NIVC Quarterfinals while resetting the program record for wins in a season with 25. She also guided the Ospreys to a program-high RPI of 49, ending with the highest final RPI at 75 and tallying the program’s first-ever victory over a Power 5 squad.

“I want to thank Sarah Tuohy, President Harper, and the entire search committee for their belief in me as the next head coach for CSUB Volleyball,” Wright said. “Bakersfield is my home and my love for volleyball began in the Icardo Center. I was impressed by the internal operations and vision of Sarah and her administrative support team. I think CSUB is in a unique time of creating vision, adapting to the rapid changes in the NCAA landscape and the leadership is something I will enjoy working with.”

Boasting a track record of success, Wright’s resume is flooded with championship achievements at all levels, including a CCCAA State title with the MiraCosta College beach volleyball team and nine-consecutive CIF San Diego Section Championships and six Southern California State Regional Championships with Tri-City Christian High School.

During her eight-year tenure at North Florida, Wright became the winningest coach in the program’s Division I history (since 2005) with an overall record of 197-154. She coached 10 All-Conference selections, four ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honorees and one ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year, all while maintaining a team cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.7.

While Wright’s journey followed a path that led to the other side of the country, she has remained rooted in Bakersfield and feels she is returning at the right time:

“This was also the right time for our family. My husband, Doug, is an elite Division I college beach volleyball coach, and returning to California allows our children, Bradyn and Kylee, to thrive during these important high school years while having their grandparents involved in their everyday lives. Some of my closest friends are here and thriving, and that sense of connection means everything to us. Home is truly where your people are.”

A standout prep star, Wright was highly recruited out of Stockdale High School, but she turned down Power 5 offers to compete for the University of San Diego. Wright became a four-year starter and captain for the Toreros. The pin hitter was named an All-American while leading USD to the program’s first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

In her return to the Central Valley, Wright brings the ability to recruit from all areas and all levels, including attracting four Power 5 recruits to her program. She also aims to reconnect the Bakersfield Volleyball community back to CSUB while building the program into a regular contender in The Big West.

“I am excited to reunify our community around CSUB Volleyball and to build a program that brings tremendous pride to Kern County,” Wright added. “CSUB offers an outstanding educational experience in a place where student-athletes can truly live and thrive. Bakersfield provides the best of both worlds – an incredible community with a Midwest feel, where sports are part of the culture, while still enjoying all the benefits of the California dream, including proximity to the beach, mountains, lakes, theme parks, and major cities. What stands out most to me are the people. The passion, support, and pride in this community make Bakersfield special.”

Cal State Bakersfield invites the community to join us at the Icardo Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 4:30 p.m. (PT) to welcome Wright with an introductory press conference. Stay tuned to GoRunners.com as well as on social media (@CSUB_Volleyball) as Wright sets out to build a staff, a roster, and a schedule for the upcoming 2026 season.

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Lady Vols Announce Signing of Sun Belt Libero of the Year Marta Lazzarin

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Tennessee volleyball made another addition to its 2026 roster, as it announced the signing of the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Libero of the Year Marta Lazzarin.

“We are really excited to add Marta to our program and have her train with us this spring”, said head coach Eve Rackham Watt. “She is an elite serve receiver and will step in right away to add stability in our passing unit. I am looking forward to her bringing maturity, consistency, and high-level international experience to our gym. Our staff believes Marta’s development will blossom on Rocky Top and she will help us in pursuing Championships.”

Lazzarin earned Sun Belt Libero of the Year honors after a freshman season that saw her finish with 535 digs, 154 assists, and 25 aces. Lazzarin averaged 5.25 digs per set, leading the Sun Belt and ranked fifth nationally, while also being the second-best mark in Georgia State history. Lazzarin’s 535 digs in her lone season with the Panthers also ranks third in program history. Lazzarin finished with double-digit digs in 27 matches, including recording 20-plus in 13 matches. The First Team All-Sun Belt selection posted a career-high 32 digs against Evansville on Sept. 6, while also tallying a career-high 10 assists against Arkansas State on Sept. 10.

Before beginning her collegiate career, Lazzarin played for Audax Quartucciu Idrosistemi of the Italian Serie B2 league. Lazzarin also represented Serie A2 Libertas Martignacc, playing in 51 sets across 15 matches.

Lazzarin becomes the third transfer addition to the 2026 roster for the Lady Vols. NCAA triple-double record holder Jalyn Stout recently joined The Big Orange ahead of the 2026 campaign. Outside hitter Nia Hall was also recently announced by Tennessee, joining the team from South Carolina.

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Morgan Gaerte, All-ACC First Teamer, Signs with Kentucky Volleyball – UK Athletics

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2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Volleyball team announced the signing of outside hitter Morgan Gaerte on Wednesday afternoon, who joins the Wildcats with two years of eligibility remaining on her clock.

Gaerte comes to Lexington after spending the first two years of her career at Notre Dame, where she was named First Team All-ACC after the 2025 season and honorable mention on the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-America list for this year, as well. She was a team captain for Notre Dame and a member of the AVCA Midwest Region’s first team.

This season, she started all 28 matches and logged 497 kills for the Irish, the most by any Notre Dame player in the rally-scoring era (2008-pres.) and third-most overall in all scoring eras. Gaerte averaged a mammoth 4.64 kills per set and had 10-plus kills in 22-straight matches to kick off the UND season, the second-longest streak in program history for Notre Dame.

Standing at six-foot-five, she hails from Angola, Indiana where she graduated from Angola High School while being ranked as the No. 5 player in the nation by Volleyball Magazine in 2023 and first team all-state for Indiana in 2022 and 2023. She is majoring in Sports Marketing.

For the latest on UK Volleyball, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.

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Volleyball: Harrison County athletes named to All-East Texas volleyball team

Published

4 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Triniti Jackson

School: Longview

By the numbers: Jackson finished the season with 702 assists, 401 kills, 313 digs, 45 blocks and 60 aces to earn District 10-6A Setter of the Year honors. She was also named MVP of the Big School match at the second annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games held at Spring Hill. In her career, the Lady Lobo standout recorded 2,505 assists, 1,479 digs, 1,342 kills, 266 aces and 151 blocks

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Blair Schroeder

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: Schroeder recorded 166 kills, 329 digs, 41 assists, 51 aces and eight blocks for the Lady Pirates

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Landry Tubb

School: Longview

By the numbers: Tubb recorded 628 digs, 28 aces and 42 assists for the Lady Lobos

COACH OF THE YEAR

Andrew Harbison

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: Harbison led Spring Hill to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals and a 40-7 record overall. It marked the third straight season the Lady Panthers have won at least 40 matches (121-18 during that span). The Lady Panthers went 14-0 in District 16-4A, and then defeated Brownsboro (3-1), Pleasant Grove (3-0), Panther Creek (3-2) and Aubrey (3-1) before falling 3-2 to eventual state champion Eagle Mountain. Harbison is 403-203 in his coaching career, including a 216-82 worksheet at Spring Hill

FIRST TEAM

Kellen Weaver

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 375 kills, 18 assists, 56 blocks, 132 digs, 62 aces, 91.4 percent server. District MVP

Jaharia Hunter

School: Longview

By the numbers: 331 kills, 222 digs, 32 blocks

Kaycin Farrell

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 402 kills, .371 hitting percentage, 302 digs, 68 aces, 50 blocks, 29 assists, 2.26 SR rating, 373 receptions with 29 SR errors. District MVP

Elizabeth Corbitt

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 559 kills (school record), 46 blocks, 300 digs, 35 aces. District Hitter of the Year

Savannah Irwin

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 342 kills, 529 digs, 68 aces, 95.8 percent server. District Co-MVP

Kaysen Foster

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 454 kills, 352 digs, 44 aces, 37 blocks. Co-District MVP and MVP for Small Schools at the annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games

Kamdyn Scott

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 611 kills, 279 digs, 47 aces, 43 blocks. District Co-MVP. Signed with Metropolitan State University/Denver

Carly Chadwick

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 793 assists, 140 kills, 301 digs, 104 aces, 18 blocks. District Co-MVP

Taydem Barker

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 1,014 assists, 63 kills, 207 digs, 45 aces. District Setter of the Year

Danika Cantu

School: Marshall

By the numbers: 591 digs, 25 aces, 1.90 SR rating, 36 errors in 941 SR attempts, 65 assists

SECOND TEAM

Kylee Fernandez

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 231 kills, .268 hitting percentage, 78 blocks, 58 digs. District Co-Blocker of the Year

Bryleigh Mayhan

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 336 kills, 139 digs, 35 aces, 30 blocks

Andee Bridges

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 517 kills, 370 digs, 50 aces, 1.86 SR rating

Chesney Jeter

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 694 assists, 175 digs, 48 kills, 56 aces

Caroline Cockerham

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 718 assists, 187 digs, 71 aces

Elle Litchenburg

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 741 assists, 71 aces, 136 kills, 344 digs, 31 blocks

Keeley McCann

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 955 assists, 361 digs, 5 blocks, 158 kills, 61 aces

Kimora Pryor

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 993 assists, 392 digs, 133 kills, 37 aces, 251 service points

Kaylee Londeau

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 606 digs (school record), 41 assists, 38 aces

Kyndal Greenwood

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 479 digs, 48 aces. District’s Libero of the Year

THIRD TEAM

Calleigh Secord

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 258 kills, 62 blocks, 104 digs, 21 assists, 27 aces

Giselle Webster

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 133 blocks, 230 kills

Hannah Haffner

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 354 kills, 128 blocks, 4 errors in 146 serves, 73 service points

Londyn Baker

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 319 kills, 383 digs, 66 aces

Chloe Green

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 364 kills, 484 digs, 70 aces. District MVP

Sarah Roberts

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 491 kills, 30 aces, 16 assists, 16 blocks, 371 digs

Lilly Fry

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 632 assists, 217 digs, 4 blocks, 25 aces, 45 kills. District’s Setter of the Year

Taryn Reece

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 462 assists, 160 kills, 481 digs, 70 aces, 28 blocks

Carli Tuttle

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 222 kills, 441 assists, 47 blocks, 249 digs, 74 aces. District’s Top Setter

Laney Alexander

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 647 digs, 36 assists, 25 aces

HONORABLE MENTION

Longview: Alyssa Grissom, N’Kheyli Johnson, Aubrey Orban; Pine Tree: Allison Vasquez; Hallsville: Madi Farrell, Miller Goswick, Elizabeth Hale, Tailor Benson, Lyla Evans; Marshall: Alex Stevens, Nia Newhouse, D’Aubrena Stoker, Maggie Pringle, Kinlee Smith, Ella Kate Runnels, Addi Watkins; Carthage: Alli Bitter; Kilgore: Malea White, Kylie Herrin, Cheyenne Jones, Brittany Yzaguirre, Zoey Johnson; Gilmer: Jayna Rucker; West Rusk: Kamyah Lacy, Ireland Hunt, Kara King, Mackenzie Ressler, Paisley Smith; Arp: Kaitlynn Raymond, Kinley Schminkey, Landry Langley; New Diana: Gaby Martinez, Ava Smith; White Oak: Carrington Watson, Addy Young, Taylor Morgan, Peyton Thompson; Sabine: Ella Phillips; Harleton: Reagan McCarty, AnnaBelle Bunger, Holly Roberts; Beckville: Maci Morris, Adyson Davis; Elysian Fields: Madison Owens, Kaleigh Presley, Taylor Youngblood; Paul Pewitt: Darriyah Thomas, McKensi Jackson, Gloria Pureco; Leverett’s Chapel: Alyvia Page, Itzel Mata; Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill: Ella Waldon; Linden-Kildare: Lynlee LeJeune, Jamah Birmingham, Carley Hays, Jakiah Birmingham, Kalysa Roberts, Olivia Stewart, Hannah Snow; Christian Heritage: Kennedi Laney, Margo Risner; Troup: Shiloh Sluder, Qhenja Jordan, Chayne Graves; Hawkins: Jentri Evans, Jaci Smith, Haylee Skipworth, Ava Ellison