After playing in non-intimidating EIVA venues like Rutgers-Newark's Golden Dome and NYU's subterranean multi-sport facility, the Penn State men's volleyball team is paying a visit to George Mason's Finn Gymnasium tomorrow, where it hopes to get a taste of playing in front of a hostile crowd before the stakes rise significantly.

The No. 3 Nittany Lions beat George Mason two weeks ago in Rec Hall, and a good possibility exists for a third match between the two in the EIVA tournament in two weeks.

In between, however, the Patriots host Penn State (26-3, 11-0 EIVA) in the Uvaldo Acosta Memorial Match, the regular season finale for both squads.

"Every year we play in the UV match, and that gym will be packed," Penn State coach Mark Pavlik said. "Mason has some of the most obnoxious fans in the league. If our guys go in there with a 'let's get it over with' attitude, more than anything else, they will be hit with the two-by-four of competitive reality from the crowd."

Knowing how his team is capable of performing when not fully motivated, Pavlik even offers a tip to the George Mason fans.

"If you're the crowd, and our guys wanna play like sleeping dogs, then please let them sleep -- you've got a good chance then. But if you wake them up, things can happen."

And by things, Pavlik means events and feats on a volleyball court that may astonish George Mason fans. Such things include, but are not limited to: thunderous Matt Proper kills; seemingly laser-guided serves off the hand of outside hitter Aaron Smith; a dominant blocking effort from NCAA leaders Keith Kowal and Nate Meerstein; libero Gary Vogel's all-out effort to get to each and every ball. Those events often impress those who see this team every week, never mind volleyball fans who see the Penn State traveling domination act but once a year. The Lions are heavy favorites to win the EIVA tournament at Rec Hall in two weeks, thereby punching their ticket for a return trip to UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, site of the NCAA tournament. Penn State was overpowered by the Bruins in March, falling 3-0 to the top-ranked team in the land.

The Lions, no doubt, will be looking to show their western hosts the same impressive performances to which EIVA opponents have grown accustomed. But the Lions know there is unfinished business at hand before they can set their sights on the NCAA tournament. And if they forget that tomorrow, Pavlik believes they will receive a quick reminder.

"That's the beauty of going to Mason for the last match -- they're going to have their fans out in full support," he said.

Magic Bus

The Lions are 11-0 this season in matches for which the team has traveled solely by bus. The squad will take to the road tomorrow afternoon for its 7 p.m. contest.

Take it easy

At this point in the season coaches say that sufficient rest is as important as anything.

Practices are now lighter, rarely lasting two hours. Penn State assistant coach Dennis Hohenshelt said that Proper is nursing a bad ankle, while Kowal's back has been bothersome throughout the season.