"For us, it's going to be special," Mattei said. "It will be the second time our parents are here to watch us. They were here for the Final Four two years ago. It's going to be pretty special."
All three players have been integral parts of the success of the Penn State program. Mattei has been a started all four years and holds the record for most digs in Penn State history. Rojas has been a strong bench player throughout his career, with very versatile skills that allow him to play just about every position. Mowrey, a fifth-year senior, who is better known to his teammates as "Donkey," was rarely used his first three seasons on the team, but has stepped up to become the team's most reliable servers.
"Throughout their entire careers, they've been consummate team players," Penn State men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik said. "Rhonee's played every position in practice except middle-hitter. Who knows, maybe we will throw him in middle-hitter in practice just once to say he's played everywhere for us.
"Ricky came in as a freshman and got thrown into a pretty established, veteran team and just handled himself so well. I think that's why he's the type of leader he is right now.
"Donkey is just somebody that has the best sense of team. Whether you're the youngest, least experienced guy on this team or you are the oldest, most decorated player on this team, he knows how to keep everybody together. He's not out to make friends, but I don't think there's anybody in that locker room that wouldn't want him in their corner when times got tough.
"You get that type of mix of personalities here. That's why I think we're doing as well as we're doing. It's a lot of credit to those guys."
Under the leadership of the three seniors, the Lions have already captured their 16th EIVA regular-season title, which ensures that senior night will not be the last home match for Mattei, Rojas and Mowrey. This weekend, Pavlik is looking for his seniors to keep the team focused and not look ahead to the EIVA tournament next weekend.
"We just have to keep playing well," he said. "Every time you take the court, you either get better or you get worse. This time of year you don't want to be taking any steps backward."
We can't go into this weekend thinking it doesn't mean anything because it does. You want to finish the season on a high note saying, 'You know, we're getting ready. We are now ready for the playoffs.' "
