Using ceiling shots, z-shots and passing shots, the two opponents struggle against each other. Sweating profusely, they swipe at a blue ball that can travel in excess of 100 miles per hour.

This is the world of the Penn State Racquetball Club. With three meetings a week, the club enables racquetball players of various skill levels to compete. Members can also receive discounts on equipment through the club.

Club president Tracey Turco said a major advantage of the club is the variety of players. There are over 170 members, ranging in age and ability, Turco said.

Whatever their reason for joining the club, the members all share a love for the game of racquetball. Perpetua Domitrovich said she began playing racquetball for the exercise, but then she got more out of it.

"I like the speed," she said. "It's a lot of fun, and I can take out all the frustration."

Phil Petroll said he likes the idea that he can play a different person each time. He can play five or six people at a club meeting, whereas normally he would have to play the same person.

"It gives a variety," Petroll said. "That's what it is really good for."

Although the club members play their matches with a great amount of effort and intensity, there is much attention given to safety. Because of the nature of racquetball, some additional equipment is needed to lessen the threat of injury.

The most important area that has to be protected is the eyes, which are shielded by a pair of goggles. Since the ball that is used is very small and travels at high speeds, the eyes would be extremely vulnerable if they were left unprotected.

Another precaution that exists for safety is the chord attached to the grip of the racket. The chord goes around the wrist of a player preventing the racket from slipping from his or her hand.

The players also look out for each other when they are on the court, Petroll said. If a player doesn't have enough room to swing because another player is too close to them, play is stopped, and the point is played over.

This spring the racquetball club will hold the Penn State Open, a tournament open to anyone in the area. It will run April 12-14.

Aside from the club, there is also a racquetball team, which plays other colleges. The team uses the club for practice time and fares very well in competition, said Turco, who is also a team member. She said there are men's and women's teams, and currently their combined record is 9-2.