Contreras, Kepner lead spikers in '97

Many coaches say what you do in practice, you'll do in a game. The Penn State men's volleyball team is getting plenty of practice to find out what they can do in a game.

The Nittany Lions' regular-season schedule does not begin until January, but coach Mark Pavlik said at the team's media day yesterday at the Bryce Jordan Center this time of year is the most important period in the development of the club.

- Mark Pavlik
Nittany Lion's volleyball coach

"Our seven weeks of preseason is always a great time to bring the new guys along into the system," Pavlik said. "Let the old guys work out some kinks and see who came back stronger, faster and bigger."

Penn State finished last season 24-6 and ranked No. 8 in the nation according to the USA Today/AVCA poll. The Lions made their sixth straight trip to the NCAA Final Four, but lost to Hawaii in four games in the semifinals.

The Lions return two of the top hitters in the country with four years experience each in co-captains Ivan Contreras and Jason Kepner.

Contreras, a two-time All-American, led the team last year in kills with 546 and digs with 230. However, Pavlik is moving Contreras to his third position in three years. This season, the senior will man the opposite hitter position in order to be an even bigger part of the offense.

Contreras is not at all upset with the move. He said he has the skills that could bring Penn State a national title.

"I think it's just a gift," Contreras said. "And fortunately, I know how to use it."

Kepner, an outside hitter, was third on club in kills with 370 and second in digs with 188 last season. He said he brings more than offensive firepower to the Lion lineup.

"I have had the experience of playing in matches where the outcome was for a national championship," Kepner said. "I feel I try to lead by example and play as hard as I can."

Pavlik is glad Contreras and Kepner play on Penn State's side of the net.

"They're going to be two of the best at their position in the country this year," Pavlik said.

With four weeks of practice in, Pavlik is happy with how the club is starting to come together. He has tried to simulate game situations along with practicing specific skills.

"At this point, we're better than I thought we'd be in some aspects of the game," Pavlik said. "Overall, I think our passing is better."

Pavlik said he hopes his club can play to the level it's capable of in every practice and match. He added he is far from calling his team a national champion at this point, but that is definitely one of the team's goals.

"When I look at the season," Pavlik said, "the overall goal is to get another ring."