Despite USC’s lower rank, the Trojans gave Penn State a wake-up call during a late-night showdown.
The Trojans handed the Nittany Lions their first loss of the season, ending the match 3-1.
The opening set was an early battle as both teams hoped to make an early statement to gain control of the tone for the rest of the night.
The blue and white secured a slight lead over the Trojans mid-set but was unable to carry on its energy throughout the back half of play, and the Trojans secured the win 25-22.
USC grasped an early foothold over Penn State in the second round of play, later handing Penn State another lost set 25-23.