Spikers fall to Lewis again, beat N.J. Tech

By JOSH DAECHE
Collegian Staff Writer

One was for home-court advantage throughout the EIVA Tournament, the other was to avenge an early season loss to a top-ranked team.

The No. 11 Nittany Lions (15-11, 8-0 EIVA) hosted a pair of matches this weekend in Rec Hall. Penn State defeated EIVA-rival New Jersey Tech (18-3) in three games Friday to secure the home-court edge, but lost for the second time this season to Lewis (19-6) in four games Saturday.

Going into the match with Lewis, Penn State had been riding a seven-match win streak while not dropping a game since Feb. 21.

Before its streak came to an end, Penn State defeated New Jersey Tech, 15-9, 15-9, 15-6. A host of players, most notably senior middle blocker Sergio Pampena and swing hitter Tony Mazzullo, led the Lions. The two mirrored one another all night, as Pampena finished with 16 kills, three digs and three blocks while his counterpart Mazzullo was equal to the task, finishing with 16 kills, three digs and three blocks.

Despite the loss, New Jersey Tech did receive solid play from freshman outside hitter Kelvin Colon who had 17 kills.

Lewis proved to be a much stiffer challenge. The Flyers had beaten the Lions in four games at the Hawaiian Outrigger Tournament in January. The rematch was one both teams expected to be a battle.

"I think you'll see some of the best volleyball played here this year," Penn State coach Mark Pavlik said before the match.

However, in the first two games Saturday, Penn State did not back up its coach's words, hitting an atrocious .177 while Lewis hit over .400. The Lions were held to a meager 10 points in two games.

Lewis, meanwhile, was led by middle hitter Victor Rivera, who had a match-high 37 kills, six digs and three blocks. Rivera made his presence felt the most by coming up the middle.

In the third game, Penn State came alive, matching Lewis shot for shot. The Lions were led by the emotions of Pampena and Mazzullo. Pampena continued to fuel the Lions by coming up with big shots and turning in a strong defensive effort throughout the match.

"Serge was a stud tonight," Pavlik said. "He really stepped it up."

The Lions hung on to win game three 15-12. The emotional win carried over into game four, but knotted at 9-9, the Flyers broke the tie and never looked back.

It was Penn State's first loss in over a month.

"It was disappointing, we had a nice streak going," setter Jose Quinones said. "It shows us we have to play consistent all the time. We can't give them any breaks. Our level has to be top notch against every team."

Penn State's next task comes Friday at home against Springfield.