Gophers volleyball swept at Penn State

The Minnesota Golden Gophers volleyball team finished the weekend 1-1 after getting swept Sunday afternoon at No. 3 Penn State (16-25, 20-25, 14-25).

The Gophers (12-6, 5-3 in Big Ten Play) have long struggled against the Nittany Lions, especially in University Park, and that continued on Sunday.

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Minnesota scored the first two points but Penn State quickly jumped in front and maintained a lead for most of the early going. The Gophers did rack up five quick blocks in their first 13 points and got within 15-16. However, the Nittany Lions added a little distance, then went on an 8-0 run to end the frame.

Set No. 2 was similar, going back and forth early before Penn State took over late. Minnesota battled and led as late as 17-16, but again the Nittany Lions responded with a 6-2 burst to grab control and then closed out the stanza.

That may have been demoralizing for the Gophers, as Penn State dominated the third and final set from the get-go. The Nittany Lions scored eight of the first 12 points and mostly cruised from there. Minnesota did make a push, getting to within 12-15, but Pen State ended it on a 10-2 run.

Over the match, Penn State outhit Minnesota .305 to .112.

Julia Hanson led the Gophers with 11 kills, Phoebe Awoleye had a team-high nine blocks and Zeynep Palabiyik led the back end with 12 digs.

The Gophers head back home for a match against Northwestern on Wednesday night at Maturi Pavilion. The start time is scheduled for 8 p.m. on BTN.