Big Ten Honors Penn State Volleyball Duo
Kennedy Martin and Alexis Stucky earn weekly awards after leading Penn State to two consecutive victories.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Volleyball
The Big Ten named Kennedy Martin Player of the Week and Alexis Stucky Setter of the Week following two impressive wins for the Nittany Lions. Penn State also climbed to No. 13 in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll.
Why it matters
These honors follow key victories over nationally-ranked Oregon and Indiana, highlighting the team's strong performance in a competitive conference. The recognition underscores the critical roles both athletes played in maintaining the program's momentum.
Kennedy Martin averaged 5.75 kills and 6.56 points per set across two matches, while Alexis Stucky maintained an average of 11.25 assists per set. Stucky also reached a career milestone of 100 aces during the victory against Indiana.
The players
Kennedy Martin
She is a standout volleyball player for Penn State who was recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Week.
Alexis Stucky
She is a key setter for the Penn State volleyball team who earned Big Ten Setter of the Week honors.
The details
Penn State secured 3-1 victories against No. 10 Oregon on Friday and No. 18 Indiana on Sunday. Martin powered the offense with 25 kills in the win against Oregon, while Stucky orchestrated the attack to secure the wins.
Timeline
Friday, October 23, 2026: Penn State defeated Oregon 3-1.
Sunday, October 25, 2026: Penn State defeated Indiana 3-1.
Monday, October 26, 2026: The Big Ten announced the weekly awards.
Thursday, October 29, 2026: Penn State plays Ohio State.
Season Trajectory
This successful weekend propels Penn State into the upper echelon of the Big Ten standings and significantly boosts their profile for future national rankings. The team's momentum positions them as a formidable contender heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
With Penn State now ranked No. 13, their upcoming performance against Ohio State will be critical for maintaining position in the AVCA Coaches Poll. The team's high kill and assist averages indicate a stable rotation that fantasy players and stat-trackers should continue to monitor.
The takeaway
Consistency from key players like Martin and Stucky remains the hallmark of Penn State's successful season. Fans should look for continued offensive production as the team prepares for their high-stakes match against Ohio State.
What happens next
Penn State is scheduled to face Ohio State on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Volleyball section.
