University Park, Pa. – In a battle of two AVCA top-15 ranked teams, No. 13 Penn State came out on top as they defeated the No. 9 Lewis University men's volleyball team, 3-1, in intercollegiate men's volleyball action Saturday night in Happy Valley.
With the win, the Nittany Lions improved to 4-0 while the Flyers suffered their first loss of the season and moved to 4-1.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Tristian Hassell led Penn State with 13 kills while Jaxon Herr provided 34 assists and seven total blocks in the four set win. Ryan Merk tallied 11 digs for the Nittiany Lions.
Daniel Haber (Remsenburg, NY/Westhampton Beach) led Lewis with 14 kills while reigning AVCA National Player of the Week
Diego Estrada (Ponce, Puerto Rico/Adianez) dished out 34 assists in the loss.
Nico Paula (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Preparatory School) tallied a season-high 12 digs while
Shawn Baggs Jr. (Gilbert, Ariz./Casteel HS) amassed nine total blocks at the net.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In a tightly contested first set, the Flyers found themselves ahead, 16-15, after a block from
Piotr Wymoczyl (Arlington Heights, Ill./Buffalo Grove HS) and Haber. The Flyers lead was short lived as a service error the next play sparked a 8-2 run that vaulted the Nittany Lions ahead, 23-18. Despite a late Lewis rally, the hosts sealed the 25-21 set one win with consecutive kills from Sean Harvey to take a 1-0 match lead.
The Nittany Lions used multiple long scoring runs and a .429 (14-2-28) hitting percentage to win the second set, 25-18, and command a 2-0 match lead.
In a third set that featured nine ties and three lead changes, the Flyers found themselves clinging to a 22-20 lead after a Haber kill. The two sides traded the next four scores before a kill from the Nittany Lions brought the hosts to within one, 24-23. The Flyers prevented Penn State from tying the set the next point as another Haber kill gave Lewis the 25-23 set three victory and prevented the sweep.
Despite holding an early 7-3 lead in the final stanza, the Nittany Lions were able to flip the script and comeback to win the third set, 25-21 and the match, 3-1.
MATCH NOTES
- Today marked the 41st all-time meeting and 16th match between Lewis and Penn State in Happy Valley
- Paula's 12 digs marked the first time this season he has eclipsed double-digits in digs
- The Flyers were held to a sub-.200 hitting percentage for the first time since April 3, 2025 against Purdue Fort Wayne
- Lewis hit at a clip of .157 (38-21-108) compared to .252 (50-21-115) for Penn State
UP NEXT
The Flyers return to Romeoville to battle Quincy. Opening serve is set for 6 p.m. on Jan. 23.
For the latest news, scores, and updates on Lewis men's volleyball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @Lewismensvb on Instagram and @LewisMVBall on X.
