Former teammates square off in match

By JIM IOVINO
Collegian Sports Writer

Penn State outside hitter Jason Kepner described playing against the St. Francis Red Flash last night in Rec Hall's south gym as "just like high school reunion."

The junior had to play against his longtime friend and high school teammate Brad Glouner, an outside hitter for St. Francis. This was their second meeting as opponents.

Glouner and Kepner both attended Hempfield High School in Lancaster, where they were starters on the varsity volleyball team. Kepner was a three-year starter in high school who played in the Pennsylvania East-West All-Star match and the Keystone State Games. Glouner, a senior, is a three-time letterman and starter at St. Francis. He is also one of the three captains on the St. Francis squad.

Even though the two are great friends, Kepner admitted that he likes to talk some trash with his former teammate.

"We always talk a little and harass each other before and after the game, but on the court it's more businesslike," Kepner said.

The two play as doubles partners during the summer. Glouner would like to keep it that way.

"I'd rather play with him than against him," Glouner said.

Glouner and Kepner posted similar stats during the match, but Kepner won the individual battle. Both had seven kills, but Kepner had a .267 hitting percentage, compared to Glouner's .111 percentage.

Kepner said he enjoys playing against one of his best friends.

"It's better than playing against people you don't know," said Kepner. "It's more fun and relaxing."