Penn State men’s volleyball Ryan Merk was named EIVA’s Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. This comes after the libero went 36-for-36 in serves received, tallied nine digs, and 2.57 digs per set during Penn State’s wins over Mount Olive and Manhattan. This is the fifth time in Merk’s career that he was named EIVA’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Penn State’s Sean Harvey was named EIVA’s Offensive Player of the Week after recording 27 kills, four blocks, five digs, and one ace during the blue and white’s victories last weekend. This was the first time in his career that Harvey was named EIVA’s Offensive Player of the Week. Due to Merk’s and Harvey’s great performances, the Nittany Lions started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2024 after they started 0-7 last season.

The Nittany Lions will look to extend their unbeaten start this weekend when they take on St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday, January 15, and Lewis on Saturday, January 17. Both matches will be played at 7 p.m. at Rec Hall.

About the Author

Fernando Martinez

Fernando was a writer for Onward State who majored in broadcast journalism with minors in Spanish and sports studies. During his time on staff, he covered both men’s and women’s volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s soccer. You can follow him on Instagram at fernando9015 or email him at fermtzrdem@gmail.com to see what he is up to today.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”