Deep Dive on the Undefeateds

Two weeks into the regular season and Division I Volleyball has proven to be anything but predictable.
The “big dogs” have been upset, the “no names” have played with no fear, and every volleyball lover
across America is here for it.
Here are some notable performances from Top Ten Programs who are still undefeated in this crazy start
to the 2024 season.

Penn State: AVCA #3
Notable Wins:
#15 Tennessee (3-1)
#4 Louisville (3-0)
#9 Kentucky (3-2)
Interesting Takeaways: Again, another program making changes to find the perfect mix of
players. Only four players have played in all 18 sets – while many others have gotten their
chance to contribute. The Nittany Lions are the only team that is undefeated, and in the top
ten, that has a true freshman Setter leading the way. Izzy Starck is living up to the hype with
191 assists, 12 kills, 45 digs, 11 blocks, and 3 ace serves.
Incoming Recruits:
2025: Marin Collins, Lexi Gin, Gabby Nichols, Alexis Ewing, Ava Jurevicius
2026: Finley Krystkowiak, Haley Burgdorf, Kendall Northern, Danielle Whitmire

Creighton: AVCA #9
Notable Wins:
#20 USC (3-1)
Unranked (but building momentum) Colorado State (3-2)
Interesting Takeaways: 8 girls have played in all 16 sets and 5 of the 8 are seniors. The
Creighton coaching staff continues to take great volleyball players and make them exceptional.
Incoming Recruits:
2025: Ashlyn Paymal, Abbey Hayes
2026: Bailey Boeve, Rayna Christianson, Peyton Carlson, Campbel Drapeau

Creighton always figures out a way to carry momentum from season to season. It will be interesting to
see them compete alongside their instate rivals, University of Nebraska, on the 10 th to see where they
stack up in this Top 10 Battle.
Pitt: AVCA #1

Notable Wins: #10 Oregon (3-0)
Interesting Takeaways: Pitt only has 3 players that have played in all 9 sets this season. It’s
obvious that the coaching staff is working to find the best recipe for success – so far it seems to
be working!
Incoming Recruits:
2025: Abbey Emch, Samara Coleman
2026: Izzy Masten, Trinity Thompson, Ayanna Watson, Isabelle Hoppe, Lola Sageer
Pitt has played the fewest matches of all of the Top 25 Teams, but has received a lot of attention for
their impressive start. They’ve got USC and Penn State on the radar this coming week – both sure to be
great matches.

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