At least momentarily, the Penn State women's volleyball roster appears to be whittled down to two seniors. The third senior, opposite Cassy Salyer, did not practice yesterday with an apparent right wrist or hand injury.

Penn State head coach Russ Rose could not comment on her status yesterday due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures that patient confidentiality will be upheld unless consent is given.

Salyer, who was on her way to the doctor as yesterday's practice began, could not be reached for comment.

Asked about her status for this weekend, Rose remained mum. "No comment," he said.

Around 2:50 p.m., Salyer walked onto the Rec Hall court in sweatpants and a sweatshirt -- the rest of her teammates were already in their practice uniforms. She walked over to a few girls who were practicing their serves and soon a little, semi-circular group of about seven players began to gather around her.

Their faces told the story, quickly growing concerned as she spoke and pointed to her right hand.

Harmotto, asked what was exchanged in the impromptu players' meeting, said everything was fine with Salyer.

But later, Rose was giving an interview when he stepped away, interrupted by a phone call. As he fielded the call, he walked over the assistant coach Dennis Hohenshelt and instructed him to get Salyer.

Hohenshelt called Salyer from the locker room and she emerged holding her sweatpants gingerly. She did not use her right hand to hold the sweatpants, but cradled them with her arm. From there, Salyer was headed for the doctor's office, Rose said.

When a reporter commented that Salyer seemed to be favoring her right hand, Rose said, "That would be correct, yeah."

Salyer, a co-captain, is one of the No. 2 Nittany Lions' leading hitters. She is currently fourth on the team in kills (57) and is hitting .404 on the season. She is racking up 2.11 kills per game.

With the advent of a solid freshman outside hitter Megan Hodge, Salyer's role has been lessened slightly this season.

Her best performances this season have come against Rice (10 kills, .444 hitting), Eastern Kentucky (10, .350) and No. 7 Texas (11, .292).

As a freshman in 2003, Salyer received AVCA Mideast Regional Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.

For the past two seasons Salyer has been listed as a Preseason All-Big Ten player.