A six foot four, true freshman, Richard Schneider made his first collegiate start inside a packed gym on Friday night. The Virginia Beach native helped Penn State to defeat Juniata in three games (30-16, 30-22, and 30-19).

Schneider has been a part of quite a few big games in his volleyball career. He was a member of the US Youth National Team where he took home East Coast MVP honors, and led his high school as a junior to the Virginia State Title.

He was also a three-time All-Region selection.

"I have played in many big games," said Schneider.

"If you can use your nerves in the right way, and treat them like any other time, you will be alright. That's what I focused on doing tonight."

On Friday night, the freshman played a very sound game. Schneider had six kills in the game to go along with three digs. He finished with a .400 hitting percentage. Also, he had one service ace. Lastly, he led the team with five blocks on the evening.

"I think that I did well," said Schneider. "I just have to do the small things, pass well, hit well, put the ball away, and tonight that's what I did."

Before Friday night's game with Juniata, Schneider saw very minimal action for the Nittany Lions. For most of the early part of the season he has been plagued with a nagging shoulder injury. His shoulder has suffered nerve damage over this time as well. Schneider's shoulder is almost fully healed and he is beginning to get back to a hundred percent.

Although from watching the game versus Juniata, no one could even tell that he was ever hurt.

"There is not a whole lot of pain in my shoulder," said Schneider.

"It's a little fatigued, so I had to hit a little smarter and higher to find the holes."

Schneider hopes that his starting job is not going to be short lived.

He expects to be given the opportunity this week in practice to earn the right to start next weekend at home when the Lions take on Rutgers-Newark and NJIT. It could depend though on whether sophomore Zach Slenker or sophomore Carlos Guerra will play.

"It just depends on practice next week, I have to practice well all week and then wait to see about the situation" said Schneider.