Familiarity breeds volleyball content

By MICHAEL PALM
Collegian Sports Writer

It will be a reunion of sorts for the Lion volleyball team when Juniata visits at 7:30 p.m. today in Rec Hall.

Lion Coach Mark Pavlik served as a women's assistant coach for Juniata under Larry Bock, who coaches both the men's and women's volleyball teams.

Pavlik said the relationship between the two is similar to the one between comic strip characters Garfield and Odie -- there may be some arguing, but it's always fun.

"I can't say enough about the things (Bock) has taken the time to teach me," Pavlik said.

In addition, Brian Miller, a senior Lion outside hitter, and Chris Fazio, a Juniata sophomore middle blocker, both played volleyball at North Allegheny High School.

And Lion junior outside hitter Jason Kepner played volleyball at Hempfield High School in Lancaster, as did Juniata freshman outside hitter Tim Shawaryn.

"These guys know each other," Pavlik said.

The familiarity probably won't lead to any awe from the Juniata players, Bock said. But he realizes the daunting task that his 10-15 (1-3 EIVA) team faces.

"We'll probably think in terms of execution and whatever happens after that is great. We're very realistic," Bock said. "We recognize that we're probably playing one of the top three teams in the country."

Actually, the Lions (14-3, 1-0) are No. 7. Penn State is led by sophomore middle blocker Ivan Contreras' 340 kills, senior setter Carlos Ortiz's 1,045 assists and junior middle blocker Kevin Hourican's .419 hitting percentage.

Fazio, Juniata's top player, averages 4.27 kills per game with a .453 hitting percentage. Pavlik is anticipating a good matchup.

"I look for a great battle between Chris (Fazio) and Kevin Hourican," Pavlik said.

If Fazio is taken out of the match, things could look grim for Juniata.

"He's the one person we can go to and generally get sideouts," Bock said. "But if the passing doesn't materialize, it'll probably take him out of the game."

The Lions are looking to do just that with their wide variety of serving. Juniata has a small gymnasium and is not used to the different styles of serving that Penn State utilizes.

"Rec Hall is a difficult place," Bock said, "because those guys will go back in the parking lot (to serve.)"

Ortiz said the team is confident coming off three weekend victories, adding the team is not expecting to lose.

"We expect to beat them with no problem," he said.

Penn State holds a distinct height advantage over Juniata, which should help the Lions with their blocking.

"They'll probably do some things," Bock said, "that will make us look real bad."