Shuffling feat

Pavlik trying all starting six combos hoping to hit paydirt

Every team needs stability in order to succeed. None need it more than the Penn State men's volleyball team.

It seemed the Nittany Lions had tried every starting combination possible, but last Saturday while facing Lewis at the Golden Dome Classic, Penn State coach Mark Pavlik pulled out what may be his last ace.

"We're trying to focus more on offensively-geared lineup," swing hitter Eric Houston said. "I think it will help offensively to be more of a weapon."

These alterations weren't necessary until mid-January, when middle blocker Sergio Pampena was sidelined with an ankle injury. The Lions struggled at first, but quickly regrouped and returned to their winning ways.

By early February, the Lions were rocked again with the loss of swing hitter David Gealey to a bout of mononucleosis. The team tried to stay afloat, but with two key players missing and competition becoming tougher every weekend, the Lions began to sink.

Pavlik tried numerous starting six combinations, employing some of his younger talent, but the constant changes in the lineup started to take their toll.

"I think it hurt us," Gealey said. "Consistency is the key to a solid starting six and with the changes, we couldn't settle down."

After discouraging losses last weekend and a 5-11 overall record, Pavlik flip-flopped the line for what the team hopes will be the last time.

Gealey has been moved from swing hitter to opposite hitter. Houston and Tony Mazzullo will fill the swing hitter position. The other starting positions will remain the same.

Pavlik tried out this new lineup last weekend against Lewis, and although the team didn't win, many of the players noticed somewhat of an improvement.

"That game was a great battle because we played with a lot of heart and emotion," Houston said. "We were working out the kinks in that match and I think it will only get better in the future."

The statistics show the success of this new lineup. Friday night against Loyola, Penn State put up 11 blocks, but with the improved middle position, the team posted 31 blocks Saturday night against Lewis.

"I think this will make us better defensively," Gealey said. "By enabling both me and Eric to play, I think it will give us more versatility. Hopefully it will bring new life to the team."

The Lions have only two home games remaining. Starting next Saturday, Penn State will see nothing but away games until mid-April.

Penn State needs new life to pull it out of the rut it's currently in. The team is looking to snap a four-game losing streak, and it's hoping the new lineup will help.

"I think we've hit our lowest point," Pavlik said. "We're at a point where now we need to climb back out into something familiar."