Since its loss to Rutgers-Newark on March 26, the Penn State men's volleyball team has been on a mission to bring its game to the next level. So far, mission accomplished.
"The loss to Rutgers really woke us up," sophomore setter Dan O'Dell said. "Practices have definitely been more intense. Everyone's energy level is up, and it's showing in the games."
The No. 9 Nittany Lions are 4-0 since that loss. That includes two EIVA victories this weekend, neither of which was close. The Lions dominated George Mason Friday, winning 3-0 (30-19, 30-28, 30-23) only to come back Saturday and pummel Springfield, 3-1 (30-18, 30-21, 41-43, 30-15).
"We kept playing physical like we did against Ohio State," Penn State men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik said. "We are playing at a level that teams have to be physical against us to even have a chance."
The story of the weekend was the Penn State defense. The Lions held the Patriots to a woeful .157 hitting percentage and limited Springfield to an even worse .034.
Penn State's superior size and strength was simply too much for either team to handle. The Lions passed crisply and blocked both teams out of the building. They out-blocked the Patriots, 15-7, and Springfield, 23-14.
"This is as good of blocking as we have ever had," Pavlik said. "Since we beat Ohio State, this has been the best defensive energy all season."
When balls did get through the Penn State block, it simply did not matter. The passing was near perfect for the Lions, which made things that much tougher for both opponents.
"Their size is tough to get around," Springfield men's volleyball coach Charlie Sullivan said. "Not only that, when we got over or around their block, their back-line was as effective."
"They are a big, strong team and those guys are good," George Mason men's volleyball coach Fred Chao said. "They passed the ball perfectly every time."
The great passing for the Lions this weekend really allowed the offense to flow.
O'Dell was able to take his time to set up his teammates, who did not disappoint. Middle-hitters Keith Kowal and Nate Meerstein finished with 23 and 21 kills, respectively, and freshman outside-hitter Alex Gutor continued his strong play with 23 kills over the weekend. On Friday, Meerstein hit at a career-high .733.
"The passes were right on the money," O'Dell said. "That allowed me to run the middle all we wanted. Our middle is unstoppable."
Right now, the Lions are unstoppable as well. The victories bring the magic number for home-court advantage in the EIVA tournament to one and the players are ready.
"We are hosting, period," senior libero Ricky Mattei said. "Bring on whoever and we will get it done."
