For Alisha Glass, playing volleyball in Rec Hall is all about tradition.
The senior setter for the No. 1 Penn State women's volleyball team has been playing in the same gym for four years and understands what is expected of her and her teammates.
"There's some expectation when we play at home that we play well," Glass said.
The tradition Glass spoke of is one that stretches back 33 years. While most teams hope to have a strong home record, the Lions have been able to go the next level when it comes to performing in front of their home fans.
Coming into this season, the Lions were 495-26 at Rec Hall since the team started playing in the building in 1976. After winning their first seven matches at home this season, the Lions have eclipsed the 500-win mark and are looking to improve that record this weekend when Indiana and Purdue come to Happy Valley.
Junior Alyssa D'Errico said the success at home stems from being in familiar territory. Coming off a four-game road trip, the Lions appreciate the friendly confines of Rec Hall even more.
"It's a comfort thing," D'Errico said. "Being at home with our fans and our support system that's here, it's so much easier to play. When you travel, things get hectic, and that makes things crazy on the road."
Factoring into this weekend's matches is the performance the Lions had the last time they played at home. Back on Oct. 2, the Lions dropped a set in a 3-1 win against Iowa. It was the first time the Lions dropped a regular season set at home since Nov. 16, 2007.
In the dropped third set against the Hawkeyes, Penn State hit just .132. Glass said that performance is still in the back of her mind and the team hopes to come out this weekend and atone for it.
"The last time we were home, it wasn't the greatest showing and it's up to us to change that and be better and keep that tradition," she said.
D'Errico said that for her and her teammates, there is a sense of pride that comes from playing at Rec Hall. Hung high above the court are three National Championship banners and 12 Big Ten Championship banners.
Playing in that kind of environment, the team feels obligated to defend the name and reputation of their team.
"Hopefully we come out with a lot of energy and pride on our floor," D'Errico said. "That way we can show people what Penn State is all about."
