You could feel it as soon as the pre-game starting lineups were announced.

When they announced "No. 4, Matt Proper," a big smile radiated from the senior co-captain's face.

It was almost as if he and everyone else knew he was going to have a big night.

Over the course of Penn State's thrashing of NYU, the outside hitter would have plenty to smile about.

"It's something that I've been harping on the team, sometimes we don't come out well," Proper said.

"Tonight I was able to muster up some energy. We're just trying to focus on coming out strong in all the matches."

Proper's Game 1 performance set the tone for what would be an easy night for the men's volleyball team.

You could basically pick from a laundry list of possible plays that showed Proper and hi teammates were in the zone.

It started with a textbook kill off a routine pass by senior setter Dan O'Dell, making the score 4-2.

Proper would have five kills on nine swings for a .556 clip in that first game.

The versatile senior isn't just proficient at kills though.

His solo block on a kill attempt by NYU's Marc Horowitz's capped a three-point run by the Nittany Lions to push the score to 22-16.

If there was any chance at NYU getting back into the game, Proper effectively ended it when he had two straight service aces.

The aces put the Lions up 26-19 and forcing NYU to burn its final timeout of the game.

Just in case there was anyone in attendance that couldn't tell it was Proper's night, he converted the game-winning kill, ending Game 1, 30-23.

Proper led the team in total points for that game with 8.5.

Head coach Mark Pavlik knows Proper's importance and knows he's the guy that will have to shoulder most of the load against tougher opponents.

"Matt's at a physical level where not many others in the country are at right now, Pavlik said. "His challenge is to take that and keep going."

Proper would finish the match with seven kills at a .400 clip, three digs, three blocks and two aces.

Those numbers aren't exactly indicative of his overall performance, considering he didn't play in Game 3 because the Lions were in such complete control of the match at that point.

Even on the sidelines, though, you could see Proper clapping it up.

He laughed and smiled every time one of his teammates made a play.

He even came out during timeouts to warm up with the team.

It's that type of leadership that will take this team to next level.

"He's the guy, that everybody knows about," Pavlik said.

"Every team has one. Those are the guys that have got to find a way to be at their very best when their team needs them the most."

It's that pressure to be the best that drives Proper.

He accepts all responsibility, while still always having a smile on his face.