Pitt, Penn State women's volleyball teams to meet in 2nd round of NCAA Tournament

After earning victories in Friday’s opening round, the Pitt and Penn State women’s volleyball teams will square off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

At Petersen Events Center, Penn State opened the evening with a 3-1 victory over Towson. The Nittany Lions (21-10) started with a convincing 25-11 win before Towson came back to even the match with a 27-25 victory in the second set.

Penn State, in the rare position of being unseeded in the tournament, then won two tightly contested sets to take the match.

Jonni Parker led Penn State with 18 kills, and Jenna Hampton had 27 digs.

Towson, which finishes its season at 26-5, is coached by Latrobe native Don Metil.

In the second match, third-seeded Pitt had little trouble with UMBC, sweeping to a 3-0 win. Leketor Member-Meneh led the Panthers (26-3) with 13 kills, and Chinaza Ndee added 11.

After a tight first set that the Panthers won 25-23, they cruised over the final two sets, winning 25-13 and 25-18.

Pitt and Penn State will meet at 7 p.m. at The Pete with a berth in the Sweet 16 on the line.