A standing room only crowd in the South Gym said goodbye to three senior volleyball players before their last Rec Hall competition Friday night.

Guillo Silva, Todd Shirley and John Wasielewski collected their letterman's blankets and then helped the No. 11 Lions collect their 13th win of the season with a 15-6, 15-8, 15-4 pasting of East Stroudsburg.

Silva, Shirley and Wasielewski have provided the leadership for a talented team that has lacked consistency.

"Each one has contributed a tremendous amount to our program," Coach Tom Peterson said. "I wouldn't say that just because they're seniors."

"Just take a look at the hard work on the court and off the court," assistant coach Mark Pavlik agreed. "I think anyone that goes here either as an athlete or a student knows about the Penn State pride and those three exemplify it."

Shirley and Wasielewki are the co-captains this season.

Shirley, a middle blocker from Latrobe, has accomplished his volleyball goals at Penn State.

"There's been a lot good things that have happened over the last four years," he said. "It was a great feeling to know that I came in hoping I could play four years for Penn State and that's a dream that came through."

Shirley, a mechanical engineering major, plans to attend graduate school next fall.

"Todd has just been real stable," outside hitter Larry Perry said. "He's just been the backbone of the team. He's a guy that you can go to if you have a problem and talk to him about it."

Wasielewski, an economics major, hails from Hamburg, N.Y. The outside hitter has played in every match this season.

"It's a little bit emotional," Wasielewski said. "I've had a good four years. I don't regret my choice of coming here and with that in mind I'm ready to move on."

Wasielewski leads the team with 18 serving aces, No. 12 nationally.

"John Wasielewski has been asked to play different roles throughout his entire career," Pavlik said. "He's done it and he's done it well."

"Leadership is very important to us," Peterson said. "Todd and John have not only helped us greatly with their leadership but with their playing also."

Silva, from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, transferred to Penn State from Holy Cross following his freshman year. He has developed into one of the nation's best outside hitters.

Last season Silva was named All-East and honorable mention All-America. This season Silva leads the Lions with 511 kills despite being hampered by a broken finger.

It's too early for Silva to feel the impact of playing his last home match.

"It's sad, but since it is so early in the season it really isn't as emotional as it could be," he said. "I really enjoyed my time here . . . I've learned a lot and it's really given me a lot of opportunities."

Silva has one more season of eligibility remaining, but the life sciences major has opted to begin dental school instead.

"Guillo has just steadily and quietly worked hard to become the best right-side hitter in the country," Pavlik said. "He's conducted himself like that on and off the court."

"Guillo's the leader on the court, " Peterson agreed. "He's playing like an All-American."

When the Lions' 1989-90 campaign ends, Silva, Shirley and Wasielewski will be difficult to replace.

"These are the kind of people you not only want on your team but you want in the group you call friends," Pavlik said. "I think that says everything about them."