vs. Ball State
7 p.m. today at Rec Hall

This weekend, the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions men's volleyball team (2-2) continues with its brutal non-conference schedule, which already included playing the defending national champions, Lewis, twice.

This time the Lions will face two powers from the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association.

Today they face No. 13 Ball State (3-0), who have beaten Rutgers-Newark and George Mason. Cardinals freshman outside hitter Nick Meyers comes into the match leading his team with 41 kills, and a 3.73 average per game.

"The games this weekend are very important for seeding at the Final Four," Penn State men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik said. "If we do well against teams from the MIVA it improves our chances of reaching the finals."

Tomorrow the Lions will face Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (2-0), who is also receiving votes for the AVCA top 15 poll. The Mastodons boast the current MIVA player of the week, senior outside hitter Matt Zbyszewski. He has 56 kills in four games for a 9.33 average and a .459 hitting percentage.

"We won't do anything differently against [Zbyszewski]," Pavlik said. " It will be strength against strength and we'll see who wins."

Heading into this weekend junior outside hitter Keith Kowal leads the Lions' offense with 55 kills. On defense, senior libero Ricky Mattei has 42 digs, a 2.47 average and sophomore middle hitter Nate Meerstien has 25 blocks.

-- By Mark Myers