Coming off of two consecutive straight-set losses, Maryland volleyball continues into its third game of Big Ten play Friday.
The Terps head north for a road trip to Rutgers. Then they’ll travel home for a matchup
with Penn State Sunday. Friday’s match with the Scarlet Knights is the first of five matches for Maryland in the new Big Ten Discover In-Season Volleyball Challenge.
The first set against Rutgers will start at 7 p.m. Friday and can be streamed on Big Ten Plus. Sunday’s contest against Penn State is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will air on Big Ten Network.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9–5, 0–2 Big Ten)
2024 record: 6–25, 1–19 Big Ten
Head coach Caitlin Schweihofer has been at Rutgers since 2020. In her time with the Scarlet Knights, they have ended near the bottom of the standings every season.
Last year was no different. Rutgers finished last in the Big Ten with one conference and only six nonconference wins.
This year, they are off to a stronger start. Rutgers has already passed last season’s win total and has more wins than they have had in over a decade. The last time Rutgers had more than nine wins was in 2002, when they finished 18-19 overall and 4-11 in conference matches.
Players to watch
Zora Hardison, junior middle blocker, No. 1 — Hardison anchors Rutgers’ defensive presence at the net. She leads the Big Ten in solo blocks by a wide margin with 21, including a dominant performance against Columbia with a season-high six solo blocks.
Aspen Maxwell, sophomore outside hitter, No. 0 — Maxwell has quickly become one of the most dangerous attackers in the Big Ten. Her 202 kills this season rank third in the conference.
Strength
Balanced attack. Rutgers has shown improvement on both sides of the ball, with Maxwell powering the offense and Hardison setting the tone defensively. The mix of strong hitting and net protection makes the Scarlet Knights difficult to outmatch physically.
Weakness
Reliance on top players. While Rutgers has handled nonconference play well, it has historically struggled in Big Ten play. They depend a lot on their top three players to carry the load, which makes it harder for them to stay competitive when opponents slow those players down.
No. 16 Penn State Nittany Lions (7–5, 1–1 Big Ten)
2024 record: 35–2, 19–1 Big Ten
The reigning national champions, Penn State is one of the most successful programs in women’s volleyball. Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley was a Nittany Lion herself and a key player in Penn State’s first championship win in 1998. Schumacher-Cawley became the first female coach to win an NCAA volleyball championship when she led the team to the 2024 victory.
Although the Nittany Lions are off to a slower start this season, their caliber of talent make them a serious threat in any game.
Players to watch
Kennedy Martin, junior right side hitter, No. 18 — Martin is arguably the most dominant offensive player in the Big Ten. She leads the conference with 225 kills and averages more than five kills per set. A two-time AVCA All-American at Florida before transferring, she brings experience to Penn State’s attack.
Gillian Grimes, libero/defensive specialist, No. 3 — Grimes ranks second in the Big Ten with 165 digs, recording a career-high 20 against Princeton. She was second-team All-Big Ten in 2024.
Strength
Offensive prowess. With Martin leading the attack and multiple other hitters able to contribute heavily, the Nittany Lions can overwhelm defenses. 641 total kills is the fifth-highest mark in the Big Ten.
Weakness
Mistakes. Even as the 2024 national champions, Penn State hasn’t looked quite as sharp this season. It currently ranks second in the Big Ten in errors and fifth in service errors.
Three things to watch
1. Maryland’s response. The Terps were swept in their last two matches. How they start against Rutgers could set the tone for the weekend and future Big Ten games to come.
2. Battle at the net with the Scarlet Knights. Hardison is one of the country’s best net protectors. Neutralizing her will be crucial.
3. Slowing Kennedy Martin. Against Penn State, Maryland’s defense will be tested by the conference’s top scorer. Limiting her production is key if the Terps want to keep things competitive.
