It all comes down to this. After months of grueling competition, blood, sweat and tears, Penn State and Louisville have earned their spot on the biggest stage, and deservingly so. Now, they’ll have one final chance to etch their name into the history books as 2024 champions.
Thursday’s semifinals were anything but expected, with the Nittany Lions and Cardinals stunning opponents Pitt and Nebraska at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.
The Cards came seeking revenge, and revenge they got. With nothing to lose against conference enemy Pitt, Louisville soared to a four-set win to punch their ticket to the final in front of a home crowd. After being ousted by the Panthers in the 2023 tournament and losing to them twice this fall, it must’ve felt all the more sweet for the hometown heroes.
Outside hitter Anna DeBeer tallied 14 kills and three blocks in the contest before exiting early in the fourth set with an ankle injury. Freshman Payton Petersen took the floor in her absence, but DeBeer is expected to return Sunday to help her team battle for their first-ever title.
In the second semifinal of the night, Penn State avoided elimination time and time again to pull off a reverse sweep against Harper Murray and Nebraska. Jess Mruzik was on fire, tallying a team-high 26 kills and Caroline Jurevicius was not far behind with 20. The Nittany Lions battled until the end, winning 15-13 in the fifth to advance to their first championship in 10 years.
Finally, the stage is set and the opponents are locked in. One match is between these programs and a national title — you won’t want to miss it.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates in the NCAA volleyball championship game between Penn State and Louisville below.
MORE: Watch the NCAA volleyball campionship live with Fubo (free trial)
Penn State vs. Louisville score
| Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 | Final | |
| Penn State | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Louisville | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Penn State vs. Louisville live updates, results, highlights from NCAA championship game
All times Eastern.
3:45 p.m. — Charitie Luper coming in hot! We’re tied up at 19 and PSU calls a timeout.
3:43 p.m. — Penn State leads 19-16, but Robbins drills a kill down the middle.
3:42 p.m. — The Nittany Lions go on a 3-0 run. Timeout, Cards.
3:40 p.m. — We’re tied at 16 apiece. Louisville is called for a net violation.
3:39 p.m. — Back to back blocks! Cresse stuffs Mruzik, and Maldonado Diaz grabs the next.
3:35 p.m. — A long ball by Cam Hannah ends a 5-1 run for the Nittany Lions. The Cards grab some momentum with a tool from Maldonado Diaz. 14-12 PSU.
3:32 p.m. — ACE Ava Falduto! Penn State leads 11-9
3:28 p.m. — Mruzik gets the ball over out of system, but Maldonado Diaz slams it back! The Cards are ahead 6-5
3:26 p.m. — Louisville is the first to five, and Payton Petersen is proving herself in the back row. The Nittany Lions trail by one.
3:23 p.m. — And we’re off! Taylor Trammell leads the match off with a kill down the middle.
3:20 p.m. — It’s time for some championship volleyball! The title showdown between Penn State and Louisville starts now.
3:06 p.m. — Bad news for the Cards. Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly confirms that star outside Anna DeBeer will likely not play the entire match, still nursing a minor ankle injury. If so, freshman Payton Petersen will replace her on the court.
2:30 p.m. —The Cards get a warm welcome from their loyal fanbase outside KFC Yum! Center. Louisville native Anna DeBeer is notably back after an injury scare Thursday.
A hometown welcome 🔴#NCAAWVB x @LouisvilleVB pic.twitter.com/EyFuit4XoI
— NCAA Women’s Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) December 22, 2024
2:10 p.m. — Penn State has arrived in style.
Nittany Lions on location 📍🦁#WeAre pic.twitter.com/QMhQM2TXGf
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) December 22, 2024
2 p.m — We’re just an hour out from the historic 2024 championship match. Louisville will fight for their first ever ‘ship in front of a home crowd, while the Nittany Lions are looking to top the mountain again, ten years after their last title.
MORE: Why Penn State coach Katie Schumacher refused to step away after cancer diagnosis
Penn State vs. Louisville start time
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 22
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
Penn State and Louisville will play in the NCAA championship on Sunday, Dec. 22. First serve will be at 3 p.m. ET from KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY.
What channel is Nebraska vs. Penn State on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
Penn State-Louisville volleyball will be broadcast on ESPN. Cord-cutters can live stream the match on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)