Despite an impressive defensive performance this past Friday, the Michigan volleyball team lost three grueling games in State College against the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions. Penn State took all three games to defeat Michigan (30-21, 30-21, 30-24).

"Penn State served aggressively and passed well," Michigan coach Mark Rosen said. "We just didn't control the ball well from the offensive side. We didn't play as well as we are capable of."

Even with strong defense from outside hitters Carrie Ritchie and Jennifer Gandolph, who combined for nine digs, the Wolverines could not jump-start their offense, which allowed Penn State to sweep all three sets.

Michigan, (4-2 Big Ten, 10-6 overall) hit a dismal .088 attack percentage while the Nittany Lions hit .273. The Wolverines made 31 errors in 125 attack attempts, while Penn State made only 14 in 110 attacks.

Chantelle Reedus led the Wolverines with 12 kills. Junior Erin Moore also turned in a good performance, with nine kills and four blocks.

"Chantelle did a great job," Moore said. "But, as a team, we didn't come ready to play and (Penn State) did.

In the first game, Penn State gave up its lead just once. Michigan setter Lisa Gamalski tried to make it interesting late in the match by igniting a mini-rally that pulled the Wolverines within striking distance, but Penn State would regain its dominance, finishing off Michigan 30-21 in the first game.

In the second game, Penn State came out on fire, taking a commanding 6-0 lead and never looking back. The Michigan defense allowed the Wolverines to inch back into the game, but it was too little, too late, as Penn State held on to win the second match 30-21.

In the final game, exceptional offensive performances by Reedus and right-side hitter Nicole Poquette kept the Wolverines neck-and-neck with the Nittany Lions. Penn State finally broke a 10-10 tie with a three point run, giving them a lead they would not relinquish. Penn State (6-0, 16-1) finished the final game with a 30-24 victory, completing the three-game sweep.

"Sarah Allen came in and covered for us on defense at times," Moore said. "But as for our team performance, there are no excuses. We didn't come ready to go.

There is nothing we can do about it now. This experience can be only what we make it. We have to bounce back and play hard against Northwestern and Wisconsin. We can't let this turn our season in a negative direction."

As the Wolverines continue on their road swing, meeting Northwestern on Friday and No. 15 Wisconsin on Saturday.

They hope to rebound from their disappointing match against Penn State and bring with them some of the intensity and consistency they usually have at home.

"We have good ball control in our gym, but we need to put pressure on the opposition and compete on the road too," Rosen said.

"Northwestern is a very good team, so we have to get back in the gym and get to work."