What's Happening?
The Youngstown State University (YSU) Penguins volleyball team is set to begin a crucial four-match stretch with a home-and-home series against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The first match will take place on Friday, November 6, at 4 p.m. inside Zidian
Family Arena at Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio. The second match is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 4 p.m. at Oakland's OU Credit Union O'rena. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Youngstown State currently holds an 11-12 overall record and a 7-5 record in Horizon League play, placing them fourth in the conference standings. The Penguins are coming off two road losses against the top two teams in the league. Oakland enters the series with an 11-13 overall record and a 6-6 Horizon League record. The Golden Grizzlies have shown recent strength, winning six of their last eight matches after starting conference play 0-4. They lead the Horizon League in digs per set and rank among the top three in kills and assists per set.
Why It's Important?
This series is critical for Youngstown State as they aim to secure a spot in the Horizon League Volleyball Championship. With only four matches remaining in the regular season, the Penguins need one more win to clinch a tournament berth. A strong performance in this series could also improve their seeding, as the top four teams receive a first-round bye and the top two receive a double bye into the semifinals. YSU is currently two games behind second-place Northern Kentucky and one game behind third-place Green Bay, making every match vital for their postseason aspirations. For Oakland, these matches are an opportunity to solidify their position within the top eight teams and potentially climb higher in the standings, given their recent strong form. The outcome will significantly impact the final Horizon League tournament bracket and the momentum of both teams heading into the postseason.
What's Next?
Following this two-game series against Oakland, Youngstown State will conclude its regular season with two home matches against Milwaukee and Green Bay next week. These final matches will determine their seeding for the Horizon League Volleyball Championship. The top eight teams in the conference will qualify for the tournament. The Penguins are looking to make consecutive conference tournament appearances for the first time since 2012-2014. Oakland will also be vying for a strong finish to secure their tournament spot and potentially improve their seeding. The results of these upcoming games will set the stage for the Horizon League Championship, with teams jockeying for position and momentum in the final weeks of the regular season.
Beyond the Headlines
Youngstown State's performance this season, particularly their strong home record of 7-2, highlights a significant turnaround for the program under head coach Riley Jarrett. The team's success at the service line, averaging 1.87 aces per set, ranks them 27th nationally and is on pace to be their best season in the current NCAA scoring format. This strategic advantage could be a key factor in their postseason success. The individual achievements of players like Kylie Surratt, who ranks among the league leaders in points, kills, and aces, and Abbie Householder, who is nearing the career digs record, underscore the depth and talent within the YSU squad. These individual performances, combined with a cohesive team effort, will be crucial as they navigate the pressures of the final regular-season matches and aim for a deep run in the conference tournament.
