It's called the Penn State Classic.

And, appropriately, heading into this generically-named competition, the Nittany Lion volleyball team has been in classic form.

While dispatching three feeble opponents last weekend at the Fairfield Tournament to run their record to 6-0, the No. 11 Lions looked like the devastating team of old, the one that used to tear its way through the Big Ten conference and win NCAA championships.

But there is a caveat to this success.

In returning to their old, dominant ways, the Lions haven't exactly faced the toughest of challenges.

Things are not expected to change much when Villanova (3-5) invades Rec Hall at 7:30 tonight or when Morgan State (0-7) and Army (1-4) do the same tomorrow at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. respectively.

"We have enough things we can get better at if we want to be a good volleyball team," Penn State head coach Russ Rose said.

"We are not playing the best we can play, and we also are not playing the best volleyball teams in America."

Despite rolling over all six of their opponents in the first two weeks of the 2002 season, there are still some unsettled aspects of the Penn State camp remaining.

The lineup continues to be an area of interest, with a number of players receiving playing time with no clear-cut first team.

"Right now, I wouldn't say we have a solidified lineup, it's still a work in progress," Rose said.

"We have a couple of decisions to make, but right now we're certain that Robyn (Guokas) and Cara (Smith) are playing in the middle and I think that Sam (Tortorello) has distanced herself at setter. The biggest question is at the outside hitter."

One outside hitter, senior Mishka Levy, is well-established. Vying for the starting job opposite Levy are sophomores Syndie Nadeau and Ashley Pederson and freshman Amy Morris. Nadeau looked especially strong last weekend in Fairfield.

"The outside hitters have been in a rotation all of the time," Nadeau said.

"I think we need more consistency."

Another worry for Rose and his staff is keeping complacency from overrunning his team.

With another lackluster trio of teams on the docket, practices can get sloppy.

"I think practices have been at an even keel," Rose said.

"I don't think they're too inspiring. Just because we've had some success playing at a certain level, I don't think the players understand the urgency of always spending everyday committed to getting better."

Of Penn State's three opponents this weekend, Villanova, a member of the Big East, appears to be the toughest.

The Wildcats are coming off a five-set victory over Temple on Tuesday and will be ready to give Penn State their best shot.

"Our team has been playing well this year," Villanova women's volleyball coach Alison Keeley said.

"We have some new blood in the program and that's given us some newfound intensity.

"I'm just a little concerned about bringing a young team into a tough environment against really tough opposition."

While a big crowd might not be a welcome sight for Keeley and her team, it's something the Penn State players are looking forward to.

"It's always exciting with a big crowd," junior defensive specialist Tab Eshleman said.

"It makes the atmosphere a lot more fun to play in."