Ava Falduto, a former volleyball star from IC Catholic, has held a lifelong affection for the Chicago Cubs. Born into a Cubs-loving family, she fondly recalls wearing a Cubs cheerleading outfit as a baby, with pictures capturing her and her family donning Cubs hats.
Falduto’s earliest recollections of attending games at Wrigley Field trace back to the 2016 season, coinciding with the Cubs’ World Series triumph. Despite her Elmhurst upbringing, she had never set foot on Wrigley’s field until recently, when her Penn State team faced Kentucky during the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week. This marked the first volleyball match at the iconic venue. Unfortunately, a second match between Nebraska and Missouri faced suspension due to court condensation.
“Growing up, my family and I frequently attended Cubs games,” Falduto shared. With her siblings, playing baseball and softball was a family tradition. The announcement of playing at Wrigley left her and her family in awe, as they were able to share the moment.
During the match, Falduto contributed with 11 digs and six assists for the Nittany Lions, although they were defeated in four sets by the defending national runner-up. The event, televised on Fox, drew a remarkable 43,067 fans, marking it as the second-largest crowd in Wrigley history and for volleyball overall. Falduto expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the awe of the entire experience.
Led by coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, Penn State anticipated playing at Wrigley for nine months. Falduto recollects her excitement upon discovering the news at the previous season’s end, which she initially kept secret. Eventually, the announcement was made, and ticket requests flooded in, primarily handled by her parents.
Falduto first stepped onto the field the night before the match, accompanied by freshman Haley Burgdorf. They observed the court being constructed, an experience Falduto described as surreal.
Practice under the lights on Saturday night helped adjust to outdoor conditions. Although wind posed an initial challenge, the match day weather was favorable. However, condensation remained an issue during the game.
To honor the Cubs, Penn State donned special pinstripe uniforms, adding a baseball-inspired touch. Former Penn State standout Gillian Grimes, now playing professionally, attended the match and praised Falduto’s performance on the field.
Following the historic match at Wrigley, Penn State triumphed over DePaul on Monday before departing town. Their next challenge awaits at Stanford in Philadelphia’s renowned Palestra venue.
Falduto highlighted the unity and hunger within the team, expressing a drive to win. Fellow player Burgdorf noted Falduto’s positive court presence, enhancing team morale and camaraderie.
Falduto’s volleyball career boasts significant achievements, including leading IC Catholic to state championship appearances and securing a national title at Penn State. Nonetheless, her experience at Wrigley remains unmatched.