Pittsburgh vs. Penn State: The Battle For the Keystone State

Nowadays when you think about college volleyball it is easy to get caught in all the talk about Nebraska, Texas, and Wisconsin, but it is important to remember all of the success outside of these three top tier programs. In the mountainous Appalachian region of the U.S. lies the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While most people think of Hershey’s Chocolate, Heinz Ketchup, The Steelers, the Eagles, etc., college volleyball fanatics think of the two volleyball powerhouses in the state… Pitt and Penn State. 

The rivalry between these two institutions dates back 1893 when the schools football teams first clashed. Ever since then these two schools have been battling for the top spot in the state in everything from sports to academic rankings. In volleyball, these two programs have drawn closer in the last ten or so years. 

Penn State and PIttsburgh first met on the volleyball court in 1977. Penn State is currently leading the series 33-20, but Pittsburgh has taken the last two matchups in 2021 and in 2024. Pittsburgh and current head coach Dan Fisher beat legendary Penn State Coach Russ Rose in his last ever game at the helm of Penn State in the second round of the 2021 NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Pitt has been crowned the champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Penn State has a rich history in volleyball winning eight national championships and 18 Big Ten Championships, most recently achieving both in 2024. Pitt and Penn State both finished the 2024 season with 2 losses and both made the Final Four in Louisville, Kentucky where Penn State won its program's 8th National title behind an MVP performance from 5th year Outside hitter Jess Mruzik. 

With the addition of the transfer portal, both of these teams have made strides in the recruiting process. In recent years Pitt added transfers Courtney Buzzerio, Leketor Member- Meneh, Serena Gray (from Penn State), Bre Kelley, Brooke Mosher, Emmy Dupes, Sophie Gregoire and a few others that have played key roles in Pitt’s success of making four straight final four appearances and multiple ACC Championships. Penn State has been heavy in the transfer portal playing a huge role in their Big Ten and National Championship in 2024. Jess Mruzik, Camryn Hannah, Caroline Jurevicius, Maggie Mendelson, Jordan Hopp, Mac Podraza, Emmi Sellman, and most recently Kennedy Martin are all huge names that Katie Schumacher-Cawley and staff have pulled in to work towards a national championship. 

Recruiting wise Penn State has secured commits from Marin Collins (PPV 213), Lexi Gin (PPV 172), Gabby Nichols (PPV 255), Alexis Ewing (PPV 249), and Ava Jurevicious (PPV 130) in the class of 2025. In the class of 2026 Finley Krystkowiak (PPV 224), Haley Burgdorf (PPV 168), Kendall Northern (PPV 279), and Danielle Whitmire (250). 

Pittsburgh has been hot on the recruiting trail as well, securing 2025 commits from Abbey Emch (PPV 193) and Izzy Masten (PPV 236). In 2026 the Panthers have an impressive class of Trinity Thompson (PPV 208), Ayanna Watson (PPV 298), Isabelle Hoppe (PPV 279), Lola Sageer (PPV 202), and Jessica Smallwood (PPV 242). 

Penn State and Pittsburgh both have bright volleyball futures and it will be exciting to watch these two battle it out for the Keystone State title in Rec Hall on September 17th with some fresh new faces in each of the teams lineups. Stars like Izzy Stark (Penn State) and Olivia Babcock (Pittsburgh) will be key in the success of both of these programs this season and beyond. 

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