Before the match against Iowa, Alisha Glass tried to find medication to combat her headache and lightheadedness.

Although she didn't know where the symptoms came from, Glass played through all three sets and posted 43 assists, but coach Russ Rose knew from watching she wasn't at 100 percent.

"A little out of sync," Rose said. "Out of energy. Played hard, but not at the level she's accustomed to playing at."

Glass' sickness may have impacted her setting to teammates. She also had two service errors against the Hawkeyes and contributed on 3.5 blocks.

While Glass said Rose knew she wasn't completely healthy, his expectations didn't change. As a setter, Glass said her job is sometimes more of a mental game than purely physical, so having "mental clarity" is more important.

Against Minnesota the following night, Rose said Glass played her best match of the season as the Nittany Lions (18-0, 6-0 Big Ten) held the Golden Gophers to fewer than 20 points in all three sets.

As for Glass, she posted 34 assists and added two kills without a service error as Penn State hit .447, which was .117 higher than the previous night.

The Lions also outblocked Minnesota -- the top blocking team in the conference -- 14-2.

Having Glass contribute at the net both offensively and defensively was a key factor in the dominance.

"Best blocking setter I've ever coached," Rose said. "Certain intangibles every player brings. Setter as a great blocker is a great benefit."

Rose, who said Glass can touch over 10 feet, recruited Glass in Leland, Mich. She was the main attacker on her high school team, where she had 48 kills in the state title match.

While Glass wasn't a setter in high school, Rose saw her as a perfect player for the position, and Glass added it was where she always wanted to play regardless.

It wasn't her 6-foot frame that impressed Rose, or just her natural talent at the position. Instead, it was intangibles that set her apart.

"[Her] interaction skills," Rose said. "Very talented kid. If she wants, she can participate well beyond college."

With so many strong hitters on the squad, Glass has to build a relationship with all the players and has the challenge to decide whom to set each play. Glass said having assistant coach Salima Rockwell on staff also helps.

When asked about the contribution of Glass, Rose acknowledged she is the most important player on the team in terms of staying healthy. With much of the offense running through Glass, Rose didn't even want to talk about a scenario if Glass got injured.

Glass' illness is just one the team will have to handle this season, and Rose said the team has already had more days off in October than usual.

So having Glass and her teammates in sync against the previously Big Ten-unbeaten Gophers despite the lingering effects of a sickness was perfect timing.

"Everybody just on the same page," Glass said. "[Wanted to] Prove how good we are. Show people what we're about."