No. 2 Penn State Sweeps Delaware State to Advance In NCAA Volleyball Tournament

What an incredible season it has been for Delaware State University’s volleyball team! Their remarkable journey through the 2024 NCAA Tournament has made history and inspired a whole Hornet fan community. From clinching the MEAC Championship to making a splash on the national stage, this team has shown what dedication, resilience, and teamwork can achieve. Delaware State University’s volleyball team made history this season with an impressive 2024 NCAA Tournament run that captured the hearts of Hornet fans and put the program on the national map. The team’s journey showcased their talent, resilience, and unwavering determination to compete against some of the nation’s best.

Dominating the 2024 MEAC Championship

The Hornets entered the NCAA Tournament as champions of the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), a title they clinched with a thrilling victory in the conference championship. Their dominant performance throughout the season culminated in an electrifying MEAC tournament, where standout players like [Player Name], the MEAC Player of the Year, and [Player Name], the conference’s Defensive Specialist of the Year, led the charge. Head coach [Coach’s Name] orchestrated a balanced attack and a tenacious defense, making the Hornets a formidable force.

First-Round Challenge Against Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 2 Penn State Women’s Volleyball hit .456 as it cruised to a 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-18) sweep over Delaware State in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Friday night at Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions improved to 30-2, while the Hornets closed their season at 17-14. Delaware State, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament as the MEAC champion for the second time in three seasons, was led by Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin with six kills apiece. Tomlin and Paige Ahakuelo each had three aces. Despite the loss, the Hornets fought hard against a dominant Penn State team.

Penn State’s strong serving gave Delaware State fits, as the Nittany Lions piled up 12 aces, with Jess Mruzik contributing four and Ava Falduto and Anjelina Starck adding three each. The Hornets were held to .080 hitting as Penn State’s defense, led by Gillian Grimes with 14 digs, proved to be a significant challenge. Delaware State’s resilience and effort in the face of such a formidable opponent reflected their growth and determination as a program.

A Bright Future Ahead

This historic run signals a new era for Delaware State volleyball. With a core group of talented underclassmen and a strong recruiting class on the horizon, the program is poised for continued success. The Hornets’ 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance not only elevated the team’s profile but also shone a spotlight on the university’s commitment to athletic excellence. As the Hornets look to build on this year’s achievements, they’ve set a new standard for the program and inspired a new generation of athletes to dream big. The Delaware State community can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising powerhouse.