Penn State Schuylkill 3, Valley Forge 0
January 23, 2026 • Schuylkill Haven
The wait is over. Penn State Schuylkill’s men’s volleyball program secured its first-ever victory Friday night, sweeping the University of Valley Forge 25-18, 25-22, 28-26 in front of an energized home crowd at Schuylkill Haven.
The breakthrough moment came in the program’s fourth year of existence after seasons of growth and development. The Lions put together their most complete performance to date, dominating at the service line with a 7-5 ace advantage while outhitting the Patriots .155 to .065. Schuylkill’s 37 digs sustained rallies and created transition opportunities throughout the match.
The opener belonged to the Lions from the start. Schuylkill’s block-defense system frustrated Valley Forge’s attackers, while the home squad found success spreading the offense across multiple hitters. An 18-kill first set established the tone, and the Lions never looked back.
Set two tightened considerably as Valley Forge adjusted, but Schuylkill’s veterans stepped up when it mattered most. The Lions converted on key swings late, closing out the frame and moving within one set of history.
The finale delivered high drama worthy of the occasion. With the set knotted past 25, both teams traded sideouts and momentum shifts. Schuylkill’s composure under pressure ultimately made the difference, as the Lions secured the final two points to finish 28-26 and spark a jubilant celebration.
Reno Plesnarski led all players with a double-double of 10 kills and 10 digs, providing both firepower and stability in the back row. Bryce Hensley posted eight kills while hitting a blistering .368, demonstrating the efficiency that defined Schuylkill’s attack. Jeremiah Miller added eight kills and three blocks, complementing Austin Fries’ standout defensive effort of eight kills and a match-best eight blocks.
Setter Kadre Williams orchestrated the balanced offense with 32 assists while contributing four service aces that kept Valley Forge scrambling. His court vision and decision-making unlocked Schuylkill’s multi-faceted attack throughout the sweep.
For Valley Forge, Drew White led with seven kills, while Isaiah Reece registered nine blocks and nine digs in a versatile performance.
The victory carries enormous significance beyond the box score. After four years of building, learning, and persevering through the challenges inherent in launching a program, Penn State Schuylkill has reached its first milestone. Every repetition in practice, every film session, every moment of doubt overcome contributed to Friday’s breakthrough. The foundation is now firmly in place, and the Lions have officially arrived.
By the Numbers
Valley Forge (0-4)
Attacking: 77 kills, .065 efficiency | Front row: 13 blocks | Back row: 34 digs | Service: 5 aces
Penn State Schuylkill (1-3)
Attacking: 110 kills, .155 efficiency | Front row: 12 blocks | Back row: 37 digs | Service: 7 aces
Top Performers
Valley Forge: Drew White (7K), Isaiah Reece (9 BS, 9 DIG, 2 SA)
Penn State Schuylkill: Reno Plesnarski (10K, 10 DIG), Bryce Hensley (8K, .368), Austin Fries (8K, 8 BS), Kadre Williams (32 AST, 4 SA)