The IU volleyball team had not taken a set from Penn State since November 2001.
On Saturday, it came within a matter of points from winning two frames before the two-time defending national champions flexed their muscles.
The Hoosiers (15-17, 4-14) ended their home season competitively against the No. 1 Nittany Lions (30-0, 18-0) who extended their win streak to 94 matches by scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 26-24.
IU attacked aggressively as it posted 44 kills, one shy of Penn State. Junior middle blocker Ashley Benson and freshman outside hitter Jordan Haverly had 21 of the team's kills.
The Hoosiers also posted three service aces with Benson, freshman defensive specialist Laura Matula and senior outside hitter Kelsey Hall, who played her final match inside University Gym, recording one each.
IU matched the top team in the country point-for-point in the first set and led 21-19 late. After that, however, the Nittany Lions came alive and went on a tear to win the frame 25-22.
Penn State rolled in the second, posting 16 kills to win 25-16.
The Hoosiers got aggressive again in the third set, matching the Nittany Lions in attacks and net play en route to a 24-22 advantage. Despite the two set points, Penn State again turned it on late and won four straight points to seal the victory.
IU has one more road trip to end the regular season next weekend. The Hoosiers play Wisconsin (11-16, 6-12) at 8 p.m. Friday and Iowa (12-18, 4-14) at 8 p.m. Saturday.
