Spikers returning to home turf

For the past few weeks the members of the No. 2 Nittany Lion volleyball team has been living out of suitcases and using bus seats for beds.

Penn State (19-1, 5-0 EIVA) returns to State College for its first home match in a month at 7:30 tonight when St. Francis (Pa.) visits Rec Hall.

Lion coach Mark Pavlik said his team hasn't forgotten how to play at home but added it won't miss a long bus ride before and after the match.

"It's nice to get comfortable in our house again," he said.

St. Francis (10-8, 2-2 EIVA) is much improved from last season. The Red Flash won just seven matches last season and went winless in EIVA play. This season, St. Francis has won its last six, including a win over New Jersey Tech on Friday, the No. 5 Div. III team. A 14-year veteran, coach Gary Evangelisto said his team is starting to play well at the right time.

"We're starting to play together as a team," he said. "It's taken time to jell, but it's finally happening."

The Red Flash's top hitter with 224 kills and 78 blocks is senior middle hitter Tom Mraz. Outside hitters Jarred Fajerski and Chris Babiak have made solid offensive contributions with 169 and 158 kills, respectively.

Evangelisto said Mraz will get his share of kills during the match, but the play of junior setter Chad Dehoff will be even more important.

"We need our setter to keep the offense running smoothly," Evangelisto said. "His transition between offense and defense will be very important."

Pavlik said his team is becoming more and more focused on putting wins on the board. With a victory tonight the Lions will complete an undefeated EIVA regular season for the fourth straight season.

"I have a feeling that this club has the mentality that when they have a job to do, they do it," Pavlik said.

Evangelisto said he knows his club will be a huge underdog tonight. He said he just wants a competitive performance to use as a building block for future success.

"We're looking for consistent play and good defense," he said. "I want to play well, and the outcome will take care of itself. We have to play our very best to keep up with Penn State."