No. 1 Penn State delivered a stunning reverse sweep to upset No. 1 Nebraska in the 2024 NCAA volleyball semifinals, winning 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 28-26, 15-13. It was the first reverse sweep in the tournament’s semifinals since 2018.

Nebraska appeared poised to advance after winning the first two sets with strong performances from Andi Jackson, who finished with 18 kills, and a solid defensive performance from Rebekah Allick. But Penn State rallied, led by Jess Mruzik’s offensive spark and Izzy Starck’s key blocks, to take control in the next three sets.

The Nittany Lions found their rhythm in the third set and took the lead with a 5-0 run, with Starck contributing six blocks and Mruzik finishing with 17 kills. The Huskers struggled to contain Penn State’s momentum as the game progressed.

In the fourth set, Nebraska held a 22-16 lead, which would see the Huskers close out the semifinals with two match points, but the set ended with the Nittany Lions stunning the Nebraska-dominated crowd and taking the fourth set at 28 sealed -26 final result.

In a thrilling fifth set, Penn State held off a late push from Nebraska, with Starck’s block securing the win. This will be Penn State’s 14th appearance in an NCAA Championship game and first since 2017. They will face Louisville on Sunday, December 22nd.