Youngstown State Volleyball Split Series With Purdue Fort Wayne
The Penguins secured a win in the first match before falling in the second against Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Volleyball
Youngstown State University and Purdue University Fort Wayne traded victories during a two-game series held October 9 and 10, 2026. The Penguins won the opening match in four sets, but Purdue Fort Wayne rebounded to take the second contest by the same margin.
Why it matters
The split keeps Youngstown State at a 3-3 conference record, maintaining the team's standing as they navigate the middle of the Horizon League season. Consistency in these matchups is critical for the squad as they look to climb in the rankings.
Kylie Surratt led the offensive effort with 15 kills in Game One and 17 kills in Game Two, bringing her season total to 240 kills. Layne Graffice contributed 14 kills in the second match to reach 160 kills for the season.
The players
Kylie Surratt
She is a key hitter for the Youngstown State University volleyball team who has recorded 240 kills this season.
Layne Graffice
She is a student-athlete for the Youngstown State University volleyball team who tallied 14 kills in the second match of the series.
Korina Barber
She is a member of the Youngstown State University volleyball team who has played 67 sets so far this season.
The details
The Penguins utilized strong performances from key hitters to secure their victory in the series opener. Despite the loss in the second match, the team saw significant output from both Surratt and Graffice, who remain central to the offense.
Timeline
October 9-10, 2026: The team competed in the two-game series against Purdue University Fort Wayne.
October 16-17, 2026: The Penguins will play a series against Cleveland State University.
Season Trajectory
The split results place Youngstown State sixth in the Horizon League volleyball conference standings. This outcome forces the team to remain focused on the upcoming matches against Cleveland State to improve their standing within the league.
The current 3-3 conference record positions the Penguins in sixth place as they approach the mid-season series against Cleveland State. Improving this record is essential for the team to gain momentum and secure a better seeding in the league standings.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent play from key attackers like Kylie Surratt will be a decisive factor for the team in upcoming conference matches. Fans should look for the Penguins to leverage their recent offensive production to secure wins in next week's series.
What happens next
The Youngstown State University volleyball team will play a two-game series against Cleveland State University on October 16-17, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local athletics, check the Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jambar.
