Pittsburgh Panthers, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Louisville Cardinals are the four teams that recently battled it out in Louisville for a chance at the NCAA D1 National Championship. All number one seeds have made it to the semifinals, but which team was able to walk away with the title?
On Thursday, December 20, 2024, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Louisville started the night with an incredible semi finals match. Pitt, the number one ranked team in the country, had a clear favor over Louisville. With Olivia Babcock, the AVCA national player of the year, Pitt seemed almost unstoppable. But the Cardinals refused to give up. With fate giving them the home court advantage, the KFC Yum! Center was filled with Louisville fans.
Graduating outsides Anna Debeer and Charitie Luper put on incredible performances, keeping Louisville and Pittsburgh neck and neck for the first set. However, Pitt’s raw power and skill overtook Louisville, and gave them a 1-0 advantage. After two more hard-fought sets, Louisville had persevered, and was now in the position to win in four. Pitt’s hitters put on a show in the fourth set, but their teamwork was nowhere near Louisvilles, as the Cardinals’ grit and determination allowed nothing to hit the floor.
Unfortunately, a heartbreaking tragedy occurred in the fourth set. Only a few points in, Louisville’s star outside hitter, Anna Debeer, landed wrong at the net. The injury was later deemed an ankle sprain, and the hometown hero was sidelined during one of the most important games of her career. This did not deter Louisville though, as they used the setback to drive them, and force their setters to diversify their attacks. After Debeer’s injury, freshman Peyton Peterson had to take to the court. The freshman shocked the crowd with her technique and power, even acing Pitt twice in a row to give Louisville some much needed momentum. As Pitt began to crumble in the fourth set, Louisville showed out and took control of the game. Finally, late into the fourth set, Peterson scored the match point for Louisville, taking her team to the championship for the second time in Louisville history.
Although Pitt was a formidable opponent, their “semifinal curse” would not yet be broken. The 2024 season would mark Pitt’s fourth straight semifinal appearance, yet it would also mark the fourth year they have yet to progress any further in the tournament. Although Stafford amassed a double double with 18 kills, and the National Player of the Year, Olivia Babcock, broke her own career high at 33 kills, Pitt could not match Louisville’s determination in this semifinal match.
The next match was nothing short of historic. Nebraska Volleyball, the 2023 national runner up, and Penn State are two programs that have been around for decades battling it out for more than just a title. Both teams showed up with tenacity and grit; Neither side was willing to give up any points easily. The first two sets were both won by Nebraska. Andi Jackson, Nebraska’s middle and a first team all-american, had one of the best matches of her career. The sheer athleticism of Jackson leaves most teams defenseless, and her percentages were uncalled for. With an average kill percentage of .630 for the night, Jackson was near unstoppable, and a dominant force in Nebraska’s offense. Penn State had their back against the wall. Down two sets against one of the greatest teams in the country, the odds were not in their favor.
But Penn State’s determination and purpose gave them a fighting chance. In late September of 2024, head coach of Penn State Katie Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. Despite this setback, Coach Katie never missed a practice or game, and instead inspired her team to accomplish things they never thought possible. Penn State Volleyball has stated they play for, “more than just a game” several times. Inspired by Coach Katie the players have persevered throughout the season and fought their way into the semifinals, with no intention of going home.
The third set had the entire stadium on the edge of their seats, as Penn State barely survived to fend off Nebraska and force a fourth set. Being able to steadily maintain their lead throughout the set, Penn State worked their way to a set win, ending the third set 25-23. With the stakes high and odds still swaying towards Nebraska, the fourth set was nothing but big swings and all-out hustle. While no free points were given away, Nebraska was able to etch their way into the lead, at 22-16. Some fans had already left after the first two sets, and others were certain who the victor would be. A comeback from 22-16 was near impossible, with only a .03% chance statistically. Nebraska’s well-rounded offense and numerous all-american players were near putting the nail in the coffin for Penn State. Nebraska’s offense was even led by a middle blocker with 18 kills, which is almost impossible if the middle blocker is not all-american Andi Jackson. The almost all red stadium was ecstatic, eagerly waiting for Nebraska to win the next three points.
Then, nothing short of a miracle happened. As Penn State entered a strong front row rotation, freshmen of the year Izzy Starck stepped back to the serving line. Penn State’s lighthearted playing strategies kept the pressure all on Nebraska as they climbed their way back into the game. This luck would not hold out forever though, and Nebraska had made their way to match point at 24-22. But Jess Mruzik, the star outside for Penn State, willed her team back into the game, at 24-24. Then Gillian Grimes, who had been nothing short of outstanding, gave Penn State the momentum they needed when she aced arguably the best libero in the country, Lexi Rodriguez, to put the Nittany Lions in the lead. And with a miracle from Penn State’s Camryn Hannah the Nittany Lions closed out the fourth set 28-26 with a killer swing.
The final set was close, and the energy of the entire stadium was through the roof. It was past midnight in the Yum! Center, both teams exhausted, when Penn State took the lead. After multiple errors early in the set, John Cook, head coach of Nebraska, called a timeout. With their seniors on the line, Nebraska felt the severity of their situation. Fighting their way back after a two set deficit, Penn State had no intention of losing. By the end of the set, it was clear who had all the momentum. As Penn State entered match point at 14-11, Nebraska had only a sliver of hope left. They persevered through, and won two more points before falling to Penn State, 15-13, at 12:50am.
Caroline Jurevicius as always showed up against her old team and scored a career high 20 kills, surpassing her latest career high also against Nebraska. After transferring out of Nebraska Jurevicius and Maggie Mendelson, the red shirt and alternate right side and middle blocker both chose to continue their collegiate careers at Penn State. Mruzik, the OH1 for Penn State, also had a phenomenal game, accruing 26 kills and leading Penn State’s offense. Unfortunately for Penn State, 6’5 MB Mendelson was out for an ankle injury for the semi finals and half their elite eight match against Creighton. However, Penn State’s alternate middle Jordan Hopp stepped in and showed out, helping Penn State close out their season. Grimes also solidified her position as one of the top liberos in the NCAA, amassing 25 digs against some of the best collegiate hitters in the country.
On Nebraska’s side Jackson had a near perfect game, hitting over .800 at one point in the second set and hitting .630 for the night. Harper Murray, Nebraska’s OH1 also rose to the occasion during the night and was a big factor not only in Nebraska’s offense in the semifinals but throughout the season. Both of these promising hitters still have two more years of eligibility. Lexi Rodriguez, the four time All-American libero for Nebraska, had a historic last game. She surpassed 2x Olympic medalist Justine Wong-Orantes in NCAA career digs, at 1891 digs. Both teams had incredible stats by the end of the night, but only one would compete for the title on December 22nd.
This win over Nebraska has made its way into the record books. Aside from the high level volleyball played in a close five setter, Nebraska volleyball has not been reverse swept in the NCAA tournament in 42 years! And with only 8.8% of people choosing Penn State for their brackets, this historic match will not soon be forgotten.
On December 22, 2024, the Louisville Cardinals and Penn State Nittany Lions would battle it out for a National Championship. With Debeer still injured for Louisville the winner of this match was uncertain. The stadium was electric with a record breaking crowd of 21,860 fans.
Although the score was close, Penn State made it clear who the victor of the first set would be. Closing it out 25-23, the Nittany Lions had all the momentum. But first sets can often be misleading, and the Cardinals would not go down without a fight. After numerous phenomenal blocks, the Cards had made their way back from a second set deficit. Charitie Luper, Louisville’s outside, led her team with incredible kills, smart plays, and all-out defense. Each team exchanged multiple set points, until the scores for both teams went up into the thirties! Eventually one team would have to give, and with a monster block from Peyton Peterson, Louisville would take the second set 34-32. Holding off ten set points, the Cardinals were able to gain some momentum and keep the stadium on their feet for the third set.
The third set was off to a close start, neither team letting the other get ahead. Louisville’s block was a force all across the net. However, Mruzik was not letting her final year of college volleyball go without a fight. After scoring multiple jaw-dropping kills Penn State slowly grew their lead. With some amazing defense both from blocks and from liberos Grimes and Elena Scott, both teams played at the highest level. But Penn State was able to consistently stay just a few points ahead of Louisville for the entire set, and closed the set 25-20.
With Penn State leading 2-1, all the pressure was on Louisville in the “must win” fourth set. Penn State had been gaining momentum throughout the third set and was able to carry all of it into the fourth. After a slow start from Louisville, Penn State was the first to 15, with a score of 15-9. The lead only grew from there, and it was clear who the 44th national champion would be. At 24-17, Penn State sided out to win their 8th national championship.
Aside from another championship for Penn State, this game meant much more to the team, coaches, and the sport as a whole. That is because in 2024, the first female head coach won an NCAA volleyball championship. Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State alum and winner of Penn State’s first national championship in 1999, had etched her name in the history books yet again by leading her team to a title. While fighting breast cancer, Coach Katie showed her team what it meant to fight, and the Nittany Lions gave it their all.
So what will become of these teams next season? After winning a nationals together, Anjelina Starck, the older sister of freshmen Izzy Starck, will graduate alongside serving specialist Quinn Menger. Penn State’s other graduates, Jess Mruzik, Camryn Hannah, and Taylor Trammell, will be playing professional volleyball through the LOVB, PVF, and Puerto Rico’s professional volleyball league respectively. Penn State still has a relatively young program with the freshmen of the year Izzy Starck, and promising DS Ava Falduto. Alongside new transfers and commits, it’s unsure what Penn State will look like next season.
Louisville, although losing a majority of their best players, still has hope for the 2025 season. Libero Scott is now a pro in the PVF alongside Luper, while graduate Debeer is currently looking to continue playing overseas. A recent transfer also shocked the volleyball community when on January 15th, middle blocker Phekran “PK” Kong transferred to UCLA for her 5th year. Although with each loss comes in new players, like Purdue’s sophomore outside Chloe Chicoine, who recently announced her transfer to Louisville. The players are not the only part of the Louisville program that will be changing next year. As Nebraska head coach John Cook retires after 25 years, Dani Busboom-Kelly, Nebraska Volleyball alum and Louisville head coach, has stepped in to coach at Nebraska for the 2025 season. Louisville also has a promising freshmen setter and many strong returning players. With Peyton Peterson more than proving herself in the finals and Chicoine’s transfer, Louisville will be a different yet exciting team to look out for next season.
Nebraska loses rightside Merritt Beason and Lexi Rodriguez who will be going pro, along with backup middle Blackwell and backup outside Krause. Rodriguez has committed to LOVB Omaha to practice with and learn from Wong-Orantes, while the rest are playing in the PVF. A hard hit but time to rebuild, Nebraska’s defense will only strengthen with four DS’s competing for the libero position next year. Harper Murray also overcomes her mental health struggles and has two more years of eligibility with the Cornhuskers. One of the biggest changes in Nebraska Volleyball next season is the retirement of head coach John Cook. Head Coach for 25 years and winner of four national championships, Cook will not soon be forgotten in the world of volleyball. However, with Dani Busboom-Kelly taking over Nebraska appears to be in good hands in their upcoming season. Most of the Cornhuskers starting lineup remains unchanged for the upcoming season, and the elite program will be one to watch next year, especially in regards to who their next libero might be.
Pittsburgh will lose Fairbanks, Vasquez-Gomez, Klika, and Flood; a hard hit for the highly offensive team. Sophomore Torrey Stafford has shockingly entered the portal after an incredible season. The talented outside hitter has recently announced her transfer to Texas, which was a shock to the volleyball community and poses the question of what Texas’ and Pitt’s starting lineups will look like next season. Babcock has also been offered a professional contract overseas, which leaves the future of the Pitt program unsure.
Overall, there are some top recruits and transfers for the 2025 season and no way of telling who will be in Missouri for next year’s national championship.