Hosting the EIVA is something that would mean a lot to Penn State.

"To us right now, this is the most important match," assistant coach Dennis Hohenshelt said. "If we beat Rutgers they will more than likely not host the EIVAs, and if we go undefeated throughout the rest of the conference we can host them 'till the (NCAA) Final Four."

The last time Penn State took on the Scarlet Knights the Lions were 0-7 and in search of an identity -- along their first win.

In that match, coach Mark Pavlik decided to replace senior setter Dan Pollock with freshman Jose Quinones. Since the switch the Lions have won eight of their last 11 matches.

During last month's match, Rutgers received strong play from middle hitter Jason Hamerlick who had a match-high 37 kills.

The Lions know that if they have any chance at winning the match tonight they will have to keep a close eye on Hamerlick.

"I think the one thing that hurt us last time is when he was coming from the back row," Hohenshelt said. "We have to keep someone on him."

However, Pavlik feels the best way to control Hamerlick is by getting someone in front of him.

"We can't really worry about him not getting the ball," Pavlik said. "We have to look at when they get the ball on their side of the net. That's when we have to react to him by either blocking or touching the ball or forcing him to change his shot."

Penn State is going into the match with confidence after Wednesday night's three-game victory against American University of Puerto Rico. The Lions rested most of their starters but received strong play from defensive specialist Dan Schall.

Schall was perfect with his hitting percentage and chipped in with 34 assists and one ace.

"Dan is a great athlete," Hohenshelt said.

"He does everything well," added Pavlik. "It was great to see him out there for the whole match."

After tonight's match, Penn State will travel to Princeton next Friday before returning to action March 17 in Rec Hall against St. Francis.

Notes: Penn State returns to Newark, N.J., for the second time in three weeks. In their last trip for the Golden Dome Classic, the Lions defeated Loyola (Chicago) before losing to No. 6 Ohio State the following day.