<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3fw4aY_0wOEjpWh00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3fw4aY_0wOEjpWh00" width="800" height="450" >The USC women's volleyball team (14-6, 6-4 Big Ten) faced a tough match against third-ranked Penn State (20-1, 10-0), ultimately falling in four sets (25-18, 20-25, 25-20, 32-30) at Galen Center on October 26. Key player Ally Batenhorst led the Trojans with 19.5 points, highlighting the team's mixed performance, with notable contributions from several players. Despite winning the second set, USC couldn't maintain momentum, losing the tightly contested fourth set in dramatic fashion.<ul><li>Ally Batenhorst scored 19.5 points with 16 kills, a service ace, and five blocks.</li><li>Penn State's Jess Mruzik registered 16 kills and a double-double with 10 digs.</li></ul>Yes, ButWhile USC showcased capable performances, particularly in the second set, they struggled to overcome Penn State's strong offensive and defensive strategies, revealing the need for improved consistency against top-tier teams.State of Play<ul><li>USC's record against Penn State falls to 2-3 all-time, with one home win.</li><li>The Trojans tallied 12.5 blocks for the 13th time this season, demonstrating defensive strength amid defeat.</li></ul>The Trojans will clash with crosstown rival UCLA (10-9, 4-6 Big Ten) on Halloween night, looking to leverage their previous victory against them from earlier this month.Bottom LineUSC must refine its play and maintain consistency across all sets to compete effectively against elite opponents in upcoming matches, focusing on building momentum as they prepare for their rivalry with UCLA.</div></body>

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USC Women’s Volleyball Loses to No. 3 Penn State in Close Clash

The USC women's volleyball team (14-6, 6-4 Big Ten) faced a tough match against third-ranked Penn State (20-1, 10-0), ultimately falling in four sets (25-18, 20-25, 25-20, 32-30) at Galen Center on October 26. Key player Ally Batenhorst led the Trojans with 19.5 points, highlighting the team's mixed performance, with notable contributions from several players. Despite winning the second set, USC couldn't maintain momentum, losing the tightly contested fourth set in dramatic fashion.