Etiquette lacking in Spikers' loss

Proper hosts treat their company well. After last night's home game against Long Beach State, Penn State's men's volleyball team might want to review lessons in etiquette.

Impolite manners were shown by Penn State's poor service and early lack of offense. With changes in the starting six, the Nittany Lions' offense improved, but not enough. The Lions eventually lost (11-15, 14-16, 15-9, 15-10, 11-15) to the No. 4 ranked 49ers in a three hour match in Rec Hall.

Down two games to nothing, Penn State rallied in the third game, winning 15-9. Sparked by this victory, the team continued its success to defeat Long Beach in the fourth, 15-10. Coach Mark Pavlik attributed much of the comeback to swing hitter Eric Houston and middle blocker Dan Hoechst.

"Houston and Hoechst brought an energy to the court and generated more offense," said Pavlik. "They gave Danny (Pollock) a little more options with the ball."

Yet in this final rally game, the 49ers were able to defeat the Lions despite the combination spark of Pollock, Hoechst and Houston. Tied 11-11, Long Beach capitalized on many Penn State errors and defeated the Lions 15-11.

"In a game like that one, mistakes can really cost you," defensive specialist Dan Schall said. "I don't think that they did anything to win. Our mistakes cost us."

Penn State's own mistakes not only cost them the victory in game five, but also hindered the team throughout the entire match. Plagued by poor service and many net violations, the Lions became their own enemy. With a total of 34 service errors, the Lions ruled out jump serves and decided to play conservatively.

Redemption is near for Penn State although it has little time to correct its mistakes. The Lions travel to Philadelphia this weekend to play Long Beach again on Friday and Saturday night.

With a four hour bus ride to review etiquette and offensive, Penn State must form a solid starting six who makes less mistakes and serves the ball properly.