UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State men’s volleyball team continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a pair of victories this weekend, defeating Mount Olive and Manhattan at Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions now boast a 9-4 overall record and remain undefeated in EIVA conference play at 3-0.
Dominating Performance Against Mount Olive
Penn State opened the weekend with a decisive 3-1 win against Mount Olive on . The Nittany Lions showcased their offensive prowess, securing the victory with set scores of 25-21, 27-25, 25-20, and 25-21. This match marked the home opener for Penn State, adding an extra layer of excitement for the team and fans alike.
Sweep of Manhattan Follows
The momentum continued on as Penn State swept Manhattan in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-23). The Nittany Lions demonstrated their versatility, controlling the match from start to finish. The team’s efficient offense and solid defensive play proved too much for Manhattan to handle.
St. Thomas Aquinas and Lewis Fall to Penn State
The winning streak extended with another 3-0 victory against St. Thomas Aquinas on . Penn State continued to display its dominance, winning with scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-18. The team followed this up with a 3-1 win against #9 Lewis on , in a match dubbed “Carnival Night” at Rec Hall. The set scores were 25-29, 25-21, 25-22, and 25-20.
Road Trip Setbacks at McKendree
The Nittany Lions faced their first setbacks of the season during a road trip to Lebanon, Illinois, where they were swept 3-0 by #15 McKendree on . The following day, , Penn State fell again to McKendree, this time in a 3-1 decision. These losses halted Penn State’s winning streak and highlighted the challenges of competing on the road against a strong opponent.
Hawai’i Presents a Tough Challenge
Returning home, Penn State hosted #3 Hawai’i for a pair of matches. On , in a match designated “White Out” night, the Nittany Lions were defeated 3-0. The following day, , Hawai’i again proved too strong, securing another 3-0 victory. These matches demonstrated the high level of competition Penn State faces as they navigate their schedule.
Recent Successes and Upcoming Schedule
Despite the losses to Hawai’i, Penn State had previously demonstrated its ability to compete with top-ranked teams. Tristan Hassell recently had a career-high 17 kills while hitting .387 in a sweep of Princeton on . The team’s overall record of 9-4 and 3-0 conference record positions them well in the EIVA standings.
Looking ahead, Penn State will continue to face a challenging schedule as they aim to improve their position in the EIVA and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a high level of play will be crucial to their success.
Parking and traffic changes are in effect during THON weekend, according to Penn State Athletics, potentially impacting access to Rec Hall for upcoming matches.
