In addition to playing in front of a hostile crowd, Penn State senior outside hitter Alex Gutor sees this match as a valuable opportunity for the Lions.
After tonight's match, Penn State plays at East Stroudsburg on Monday.
They will then return to Rec Hall for two home matches before leaving again for a four-match West Coast swing.
It's then that Gutor believes this weekend will pay off.
"This will give us practice to work on the little things in the game, but it will also give us training on like, getting off the bus and playing," Gutor said. "I think the ride to Princeton is like four or five hours. Same thing as the plane ride to California. So we're getting off the bus, off the plane and start playing. I think that works for us.
"By the time we get to California we need to play, and actually play against the best teams in the country. We're gonna be not only ready to play after getting off the plane, but also we're gonna work on those little things."
Not that Penn State is overlooking the Tigers.
"Princeton always plays tough at home," Pavlik said.
"You know, they have a bunch of guys who played last year and the core group is back. So they're gonna be better. You never underestimate the Princeton Tigers in Dillon Gym. They're gonna be scrappy."
After starting the season with three straight losses, the Tigers are 4-1 over their last five matches. This is including a four-game upset over the No. 15 team, Saint Francis.
In that match, Princeton setter Brendan Denham had 56 assists, six blocks, six digs and three kills.
"We gotta be physical against them," Pavlik said.
"[I've said this] from day one this year, we've gotta use the physical advantages that we have against teams like that."
Max Holt, right, spikes the ball in a match against Saint Francis this season. No. 5 Penn State will head to New Jersey to take on the Princeton Tigers in Dillon Gym tonight.
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