VOLLEYBALL: A weekend of triumph and challenge for the Bulldogs at the Penn State Classic
Yale’s volleyball team showcased resilience and skill at the Penn State Classic, highlighted by a strong victory against James Madison University and a tough matchup against Penn State, a top-ranked opponent.
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This past weekend, the Yale volleyball team took to the court at the Penn State Classic, clinching a commanding 3–0 victory against James Madison University before facing off and losing 1–3 against the formidable Penn State Nittany Lions.
In the match against JMU, the Bulldogs demonstrated their prowess, winning each set decisively. The team’s strong offensive strategy, marked by powerful spikes and strategic placements, overwhelmed the Dukes. Rightside Betsy Goodenow ’27 led the Bulldogs with 11 kills and eight digs just after earning the Yale Invitational MVP last weekend.
She was named Ivy League player of the week for her performance at the invitational.
“I can’t wait to show what we can do in the Ivy League this year,” said Goodenow. “The competition is always tough and we look forward to each game.”
However, the next day brought a challenging opponent for the Bulldogs as they faced off against the host team, Penn State, ranked among the top programs in the nation.
Last year, the Bulldogs faced the Nittany Lions in the first round of the NCAA tournament and fell 3–1. The Bulldogs were eager to battle against the Lions once more and put up a spirited fight, but they struggled to maintain their rhythm against the aggressive Penn State defense. Despite taking the third set 25-23, Yale dropped the next two sets 18-25, 16-25, and the last set 13-25.
“Penn State had a great energy in their gym,” Volleyball Head Coach Erin Appleman said to the News, reflecting on the weekend. “Our team going into the match was very excited to face them again. They were the number three team in the country, so there were obviously some nerves about playing them but once we started … playing, we settled in. JMU was a great win for us. They are a very well coached team (with) good athletes.”
Appleman added that the tournament allowed the team to play on the court and see where they need to improve before Ivy League matches begin. As they regroup after the weekend, the Bulldogs are looking ahead with optimism. The team is building on its performance and refining its strategies as it prepares for its upcoming matches.
“We have a lot to take from this weekend,” Jaidynn Perkins-Martin ’27 added. “We’re determined to keep improving and bring that same energy into our next games.”
The Elis will be back on the court on Sept. 28 when they take on their first Ivy League opponents: the Brown University Bears.