Still searching

By JOSH DAECHE
Collegian Staff Writer

It's hard to win if you can't score.

Heading into the Hawaiian Outrigger Classic, the Penn State men's volleyball team had struggled offensively over its first four matches. The offensive struggles did not get any better for the Nittany Lions Wednesday night against No. 1 UCLA

From beginning to end, UCLA (2-0) controlled the No. 12 Lions (0-5), and took all three games from Penn State (15-3, 15-3, 15-10) in dominating fashion.

The Bruins were led by Adam Naeve, who out-blocked the Lions by himself, posting a game-high eight blocks to Penn State's three as a team. The Bruins out-blocked Penn State overall, 11-3.

Quick hitter Danny Farmer helped UCLA with 11 kills, but the game was won primarily on the strengths of one player -- opposite hitter Evan Thatcher. The Bruins received outstanding play from Thatcher, who had 16 kills and a .682 hitting percentage.

The Bruins hit .489 to the Lions' dismal .245. Though the Lions struggled, they did see production from their dynamic duo that runs the middle. Senior middle blocker Sergio Pampena and swing hitter Tony Mazzullo were the lone bright spots in defeat. Mazzullo had a team-high 13 kills and Pampena added a team-high six digs and two blocks. Middle blocker Brad Miller chipped in with 11 kills, while setters Dan Pollock and Jose Quinones split time and combined for 42 assists.

Last night, Penn State again went in search of its first win of the season, taking on host No. 4 Hawaii. The results were too late for this edition.

Before the Lions come off the beach and head back to the 20-degree temperatures of Happy Valley, they will finish the tournament against No. 2 Lewis at 9:30 p.m. today.

The Flyers received solid play from Victor Rivera, who had 36 kills and a game-best .585 hitting percentage in Wednesday night's five-game loss to Hawaii.

Penn State holds a 6-1 all-time advantage against Lewis, and knocked off the Flyers last year in four games at Rec Hall.

The Lions will finally return home for a match next Friday when they face Rutgers-Newark.