This is the first in a series of tables showing, statistically, what the Nittany Lions lost from 2018 and the statistical production of the players that are returning.  Today’s table focuses on the points (kills + service aces + solo blocks + 1/2 of block assists) of the key returning players and the points of the key graduated players showing.

Penn State has a lot of talented players returning from the 2018 team (who accounted for 55.6 % of Penn State’s total points in 2018), but it also lost some key players to graduation: outside hitters Nia Reed and Taylor Leath, and setter Bryanna Weiskircher.  Those three players accounted for  40.4 % of Penn State’s 2134.5 points scored in 2018.

Will Penn State be able to replace that offensive production?  Only time will tell.  A big factor in answering that question will be how effective sophomore setter Gabby Blossom is at connecting with her hitters.  And an important part of that will be whether the new starters at outside hitter — whoever they are — establish themselves as offensive threats on both in-system and out-of-system plays.

To join in the conversation on the DigNittanyVolleyball Forum about Penn State’s 2019 prospects, click here: http://forum.dignittanyvolleyball.com/thread/883/penn-state-8-preseason-poll

Points Lost from 2018

#	Name	Cl.	Pos.	SP	Pts.	% Total Team Points
6	Nia Reed	4/Sr. (RS)	OH	103	385	18.0 %
9	Parker, Jonni	1/Fr.	RS	117	421.5	19.7 %
43	Leath, Taylor	4/Sr. (Gr.)	OH	118	342	16.0 %
23	Hord, Kaitlyn	1/Fr.	MB	104	288.0	13.5 %
16	Gray, Serena	1/Fr.	MB	96	254.0	11.9 %
11	Gorrell, Tori	3/Jr. (RS)	MB	44	106.0	5.0 %
22	Cathey, Allyson	1/Fr.	OH	54	117.5	5.5 %
21	Weiskircher, Bryanna	4/Sr. (RS)	S	115	135	6.3 %
	Points from Key Returning Players	n/a	n/a	n/a	1187	55.6 %
	Points Lost - Key Graduated Players	n/a	n/a	n/a	862	40.4 %
	Team	n/a	n/a	118	2134.5