Deep Dive on the Undefeateds

Digging into the Undefeateds

A look into a few of the rare undefeated teams who fall in the AVCA Top 10

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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