On the same day that Penn State honored their seniors Jose Quinones and Jason Hawkins, the men's volleyball team clinched their 14th EIVA conference title.

With a three game sweep over Concordia (9-14, 6-7 EIVA) Saturday (30-20, 30-27, 30-28), the No. 5 Nittany Lions (20-3, 12-0 EIVA) will now host the EIVA tournament, which will be held in Rec Hall on April 25 and 27.

"That's always our job to play for the conference title so we can host the conference championships," Quinones said. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Yes, it's a good feeling, but it's something that we should expect to do. (To clinch the EIVA conference title on Senior Day) is like a double whammy."

Before the match, in front of a crowded Rec Hall South Gym full of family, friends and fans, Quinones and Hawkins were thanked for their contribution to the Penn State volleyball program in an emotional ceremony.

"I was teary eyed," Lions head coach Mark Pavlik said. "This was a very emotional Senior Day for me."

Quinones commented earlier in the week that playing on a Saturday afternoon in the South Gym would be anti-climatic. During the ceremony, however, he said he unexpectedly became overwhelmed.

"When Pav walked in and when he looked at me with his eyes kind of watery, I almost cried a little bit, to be honest," Quinones said. "I wasn't expecting it. It was like a five-second moment, but I was like, 'Wow.' "

Hawkins said that the crowd turnout, the cheerleaders and the band helped to make the event more special.

"I had a great four years here and really enjoyed it, so it was nice to be honored," Hawkins said.

Quinones and Hawkins carried their emotional highs over into the match. Directed by Quinones' 45 assists and 1.000 hitting percentage on four-for-four attacking, the Penn State offense dominated Concordia.

The Lions outhit the Clippers .339 to .093, including holding Concordia to a -.057 hitting percentage in the first game. Penn State nearly doubled up Concordia's 32 kills with 60.

Of the Lions' 60 kills, Hawkins notched 11 while hitting .588.

"Hawk is playing as well as he's ever played right now," Pavlik said.

Juniors Carlos Guerra and Zach Slenker led Penn State with 17 and 12 kills, respectively.

Though Penn State dominated offensively, Concordia's Diego Escobar was missing from action with a shoulder injury.

"With Escobar, they're a very formidable opponent," Pavlik said. "He's as good as anybody we've faced in the EIVA. No matter where the ball is passed, he has a great opportunity to get a kill."

Led by sophomore middle hitter Norm Keil's seven kills, the Lions outblocked the Clippers 13-11.5. Penn State dominated the digging war as well, 31-22.

Though the Lions outplayed the Clippers offensively and defensively, Quinones still saw room for improvement in getting ready for the EIVA tournament.

"We're a better team and we're supposed to win these games, but we weren't sharp," Quinones said. "In the EIVA tournament, you can't have those lapses. When other team believes they can beat you, you never know."