Youngstown, Ohio, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Youngstown State University volleyball team began its season with a strong win against Mercyhurst but faced disappointment with a loss to Duquesne. The Penguins showcased impressive plays, particularly from standout players Gabriela Machin and Abbie Householder. Their opening match resulted in a decisive 3-0 victory over Mercyhurst, highlighting their skills and teamwork. However, the subsequent match against Duquesne proved challenging, ending in a closely fought defeat. The results from the YSU Invitational will help shape their strategies as they prepare for future matches.
Youngstown, Ohio – Youngstown State Volleyball Opens 2025 Season with Mixed Results at YSU Invitational
The Youngstown State University volleyball team commenced its 2025 season on a high note but experienced mixed results at the YSU Invitational held on August 29, 2025. The Penguins achieved a decisive 3-0 victory over Mercyhurst but faced a tough challenge from Duquesne, losing in a closely contested match later that same day.
In the opening match against Mercyhurst, Youngstown State displayed impressive skill, hitting a collective .367. The set scores against Mercyhurst were 25-12, 26-24, and 25-18. Gabriela Machin led all players on the court with 13 kills from 22 attempts, demonstrating both power and precision. She also contributed four aces and three blocks to her team’s solid performance. Abbie Householder assisted by adding 12 kills and 13 digs, earning herself a double-double. Setter Kameron Blizniak was pivotal in the victory, providing 33 assists and securing six digs.
The first set saw Youngstown State initially trailing 7-6 before they rebounded strongly, scoring 18 of the next 21 points to take control. The second set proved to be more challenging; Youngstown State found themselves down 22-23 but managed to clinch it by scoring four of the next five points. They maintained their momentum in the third set with an impressive hitting percentage of .419.
Later that day, Youngstown State faced Duquesne, ending the day with a loss in a competitive match. The battle against Duquesne concluded with scores of 36-34, 25-20, and 25-23. Abbie Householder continued her standout performance, leading again with a match-high 16 kills and 14 digs. Gabriela Machin followed closely behind, contributing 15 kills, while Layne Graffice added 11 kills and nine digs. Libero Brie Habeeb showcased her defensive skills with a remarkable 17 digs during the match against Duquesne.
The first set against Duquesne featured an intense back-and-forth with 16 ties and six lead changes. Youngstown State’s best chance to take the set came when they led 24-21, but Duquesne countered with three consecutive kills, turning the momentum. In the second set, despite trailing 14-24, Youngstown State made a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 20-25 but ultimately fell short.
In preparation for the tournament’s final match, the Penguins were scheduled to take on Canisius at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The results from the tournament will be instrumental in shaping the team’s strategies and performance as they move forward in the season.
Upcoming Matches
- Opponent: Canisius
- Date: August 30, 2025
- Time: 3 p.m.
Performance Overview
| Player | Kills | Digs | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriela Machin | 13 vs Mercyhurst, 15 vs Duquesne | – | – |
| Abbie Householder | 12 vs Mercyhurst, 16 vs Duquesne | 13 vs Mercyhurst, 14 vs Duquesne | – |
| Kameron Blizniak | – | 6 vs Mercyhurst | 33 vs Mercyhurst |
| Brie Habeeb | – | 17 vs Duquesne | – |
FAQ
What teams participated in the YSU Invitational?
The teams that took part in the YSU Invitational alongside Youngstown State include Mercyhurst, Canisius, and Duquesne.
What were the results of Youngstown State’s matches?
Youngstown State won against Mercyhurst 3-0 and lost to Duquesne with scores of 36-34, 25-20, and 25-23.
Who led Youngstown State in scoring during the matches?
Gabriela Machin and Abbie Householder were the standout players. Machin scored 13 kills against Mercyhurst and 15 against Duquesne, while Householder recorded 12 kills against Mercyhurst and 16 against Duquesne.
When is Youngstown State’s next match?
The next match for Youngstown State is scheduled against Canisius on August 30, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Youngstown State Volleyball: Sweeps Mercyhurst
- Duquesne Volleyball: Dukes Cruise Past Lakers
- Canisius Volleyball: Splits Season Opener
- Mercyhurst Athletics: NEC First Division I Season Exceeded Expectations
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
