Penn State men’s volleyball falls to Charleston at home for the first time in 22 home games

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Heartbreak in Happy Valley as the Penn State men’s volleyball team suffered its first home loss of the season, falling to the University of Charleston and ending a 22-match home winning streak at Rec Hall.

The Nittany Lions' season has been described as “all about bouncing back” by Senior Will Kuhns, and after Friday night’s dominant sweep over the Golden Eagles, all signs pointed toward another victory. However, a grueling two-and-a-half-hour, four-set battle on senior night ended in a 3-1 loss, giving Charleston a significant road win.

Charleston took control early, setting the tone with an aggressive start in the first set, quickly jumping to a 4-0 lead. The Golden Eagles’ offensive power, led by Kai Cousins and Max Nissen, proved too much for Penn State in the opening frame. Cousins and Nissen combined for 47 kills and 18 digs on the night, setting the stage for Charleston’s upset bid.

Penn State responded quickly in the second set, showcasing a whole new side to the team. Kuhns led the charge, rallying the team to an early lead on his senior night. His powerful attacks and defensive efforts helped secure a second-set victory for the Nittany Lions, evening the match at one set apiece. Kuhns finished the night with 21 kills and four digs, playing a pivotal role in Penn State’s effort to stay alive.

Set three turned into an instant classic, a relentless back-and-forth battle where neither team led by more than two points. The set stretched into extra points, lasting 45 minutes as both teams exchanged thrilling rallies and clutch plays. Ultimately, Charleston edged out a 36-34 win, with Cousins delivering the decisive kill to give the Golden Eagles a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set mirrored the third, filled with intense rallies and momentum swings. Kuhns, along with teammates Matthew Luoma and Sean Harvey, made key contributions, keeping the Nittany Lions within striking distance. However, once again, Cousins sealed the deal for Charleston with a late kill, closing out the set 26-24 and handing Penn State its first home loss since falling to Ohio State in 2024.

The defeat marks a tough moment for Penn State, which had turned Rec Hall into a fortress over the past two seasons. Despite the disappointment, the Nittany Lions will have a chance to “bounce back” when they return to Rec Hall on Friday to face Sacred Heart. With the season still in play, Penn State hopes to regroup and finish strong, keeping its EIVA hopes alive.

Brooke Casey is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email: bec5457@psu.edu.