schooThe Minnesota volleyball season ended Thursday night in the NCAA Central Regional Semifinal, losing to No. 1 Penn State, 15-9, 15-9, 17-15. The Gophers end their second-most successful season in school history at 27-9.

The Gophers were led by Stephanie Hagen, who pounded 15 kills at a .375 hitting percentage. Lisa Aschenbrenner had a career-high 16 digs, while Lindsey Berg set career highs with eight kills and a .538 hitting percentage. Amanada Rome landed 14 kills to lead four Nittany Lions in double figures.

Minnesota's best chance to win a game was the third game, where they led 14-9 and had four opportunities to serve for the game. Penn State denied each of these opportunities and scored nine of the final 10 points to win the match.

Penn State held a .241-.185 advantage in hitting percentage, but the Gophers outblocked the Nittany Lions, 13-10, and limited Penn State to one service ace in the match. Charnette Fair led Minnesota with seven blocks and set a new single-season Minnesota record with 175 blocks.