When Princeton University’s women’s volleyball team stormed Rec Hall on September 20, 2025, the result was a decisive 3‑0 sweep of Central Michigan University. The victory came during the three‑team Penn State ClassicUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, a early‑season showcase that pits the No. 13 Nittany Lions against two non‑conference foes. Princeton’s win not only pushed its record to 5‑3 but also sent a clear message to the rest of the field: the Tigers are ready to challenge the national elite.
Tournament Overview: A Three‑Day Round‑Robin
The Penn State Classic ran from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21, featuring a single round‑robin schedule. The first match saw Penn State face Princeton in a grueling five‑set battle that set the tone for the weekend. Saturday brought the Princeton‑Central Michigan clash, and the final day concluded with the Chippewas taking on the host Nittany Lions. All three contests streamed on B1G+, with live statistical feeds updating every rally.
For the Tigers, the tournament represented the fifth and sixth of nine straight home matches on an extended homestand. Princeton entered the event at 4‑2, while Central Michigan arrived with a 3‑7 mark. Penn State, perched at No. 13 in the AVCA poll, held a 4‑4 record and was eager to defend its reputation on familiar courts.
Princeton’s Dominant Performance Over Central Michigan
The Tigers never looked back. Set one unfolded as a textbook display of front‑court pressure, with Princeton surging to a 12‑9 lead before a Central Michigan attacking error widened the gap. Valerie Nutakor sparked the rally with a thunderous kill, and a service ace from Olivia Foye sealed a 15‑9 advantage. Princeton rode that momentum to a 25‑10 finish, limiting the Chippewas to just eight kills.
The second set proved a bit more competitive; Central Michigan clawed back to within three points before Princeton’s defense, anchored by Shelby Burriss’s five blocks, forced two time‑outs. Despite a late surge, the Chippewas fell 17‑25.
The final set turned into a nail‑biter. Both sides traded long rallies, and the scoreboard hovered in the mid‑20s for minutes. Princeton finally broke the deadlock at 24‑24 with a clutch kill from Ava Harrington, then held serve to claim a 27‑25 win. The sweep improved Princeton’s overall record to 5‑3, while Central Michigan slipped to 3‑8.
Key Performers: Stars on Both Sides
Princeton’s offense was a symphony of precision hitting. Nutakor topped the stat sheet with 13 kills on a .303 hitting percentage and added eight digs. Lucia Scalamandre posted an eye‑popping .786 attacking efficiency, contributing 11 kills and three blocks. The setter, Sydney Draper, dished out a match‑high 29 assists and recorded her fourth double‑double of the season with 10 digs, showcasing why she’s considered one of the nation’s elite floor generals.
Central Michigan’s offense leaned heavily on Natalia Rejment, who tallied 10 kills, 12 points and seven digs. Outside hitters Grace Tomas and Taylor Cripe each added eight kills. Defensively, libero Alina Anderson was a wall of dives and saves, preventing what could have been an even wider margin.
Coach Brian B. Carr (Princeton) praised the team’s focus: “We came in knowing we had to execute fast, and the girls delivered. The blocking was especially aggressive, and our setters kept the tempo up.” Central Michigan’s head coach, Annette G. Brown, remained optimistic: “We learned a lot about handling pressure situations. The close third set shows we can fight back, and that will serve us well moving forward.”
Implications for the Teams Moving Forward
Princeton’s sweep carries weight beyond a single win. The Tigers now sit safely above .500, a benchmark that often influences NCAA tournament seeding. More importantly, the performance against a Mid‑American Conference opponent demonstrates the team’s ability to dominate a variety of playing styles—a crucial factor when the NCAAs roll around in December.
For Central Michigan, the loss is a setback but not the end of the road. The Chippewas’ defense, especially Anderson’s libero work, showed flashes of brilliance that could translate into tighter sets against future foes. Their 3‑8 record still leaves room for a late‑season surge, particularly if they tighten up hitting efficiency—currently hovering around .220.
Penn State, still to play the Chippewas on Sunday, will look to bounce back from its five‑set showdown with Princeton. A win would reinforce its No. 13 ranking and keep the home‑court advantage alive for the remainder of the homestand.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Classic Contenders?
Sunday’s finale pits Central Michigan against Penn State. Both teams will be eager to end the weekend on a high note: the Nittany Lions aiming to reassert dominance, and the Chippewas looking to salvage pride after a tough Saturday. The outcome could shift momentum heading into the upcoming non‑conference slate, where every win counts toward an at‑large bid.
Beyond the Classic, Princeton will travel to the Midwest for a weekend series against Ohio State, a test that could cement their position in the top 10. Central Michigan, meanwhile, returns home to the Chippewa Dome for a crucial conference matchup against Western Michigan, a game that could determine whether they stay afloat in the MAC standings.
Background: The Penn State Classic’s Role in the 2025 Season
Since its inception in 2022, the Penn State Classic has become a staple of early‑season volleyball, offering high‑caliber competition without the pressure of conference play. Hosted at the historic Rec Hall, the event attracts teams looking to sharpen their skills against top‑ranked opponents. The 2025 edition marked the ninth straight home match for Penn State, a streak that underscores the program’s confidence in its home‑court advantage and fan support.
Historically, the Classic has produced upsets and breakthrough performances that ripple through the national rankings. Last year, an unranked Georgia team stunned No. 8 Louisville, catapulting Georgia into the top‑25. This year, Princeton’s dominant display could be the catalyst that propels the Tigers into the upper echelon of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Princeton’s win affect its NCAA tournament prospects?
The sweep lifts Princeton to a 5‑3 record, keeping them comfortably above .500—a key metric the selection committee watches. More importantly, beating a mid‑major opponent convincingly demonstrates depth, which could improve their seeding and potential at‑large bid chances if they maintain momentum through conference play.
What are the key stats from the match that highlight Princeton’s dominance?
Princeton posted a combined .568 hitting percentage across three sets, held Central Michigan to just eight kills in the first set, and recorded 12 total blocks, led by Shelby Burriss’s five. Setter Sydney Draper tallied 29 assists, while Valerie Nutakor’s 13 kills anchored the offense.
Which player stood out for Central Michigan despite the loss?
Libero Alina Anderson shone defensively, diving for countless balls and keeping the Chippewas in contention. Her 12 digs and several rally‑saving passes were highlights, and she will be a crucial component as the team looks to tighten its defense in upcoming games.
When is the next match for Penn State in the Classic?
Penn State faces Central Michigan on Sunday, September 21, at 2:00 p.m. in Rec Hall. The game will be the final showdown of the three‑team round‑robin and could solidify Penn State’s standing heading into the rest of its homestand.
What does the Penn State Classic mean for early‑season rankings?
Early‑season tournaments like the Classic provide a snapshot of how teams stack up before conference play begins. Strong performances can boost a team’s national ranking, while unexpected losses can cause a slide. For Princeton, the win could nudge them into the top 15, while Central Michigan’s defeat may drop them a few spots in the MAC hierarchy.
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