It all comes down to this. After months of grueling competition, blood, sweat and tears, Penn State and Louisville have earned their spot on the biggest stage, and deservingly so. Now, they’ll have one final chance to etch their name into the history books as 2024 champions.
Thursday’s semifinals were anything but expected, with the Nittany Lions and Cardinals stunning opponents Pitt and Nebraska at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.
The Cards came seeking revenge, and revenge they got. With nothing to lose against conference enemy Pitt, Louisville soared to a four-set win to punch their ticket to the final in front of a home crowd. After being ousted by the Panthers in the 2023 tournament and losing to them twice this fall, it must’ve felt all the more sweet for the hometown heroes.
Outside hitter Anna DeBeer tallied 14 kills and three blocks in the contest before exiting early in the fourth set with an ankle injury. Freshman Payton Petersen took the floor in her absence, but DeBeer is expected to return Sunday to help her team battle for their first-ever title.
In the second semifinal of the night, Penn State avoided elimination time and time again to pull off a reverse sweep against Harper Murray and Nebraska. Jess Mruzik was on fire, tallying…
