Volleyball: Women's

• The Nittany Lions looked strong in practice Thursday as they showcased their skills to the media. About 45 minutes in, coach Russ Rose seemed pleased, saying it was their third good practice in a row. The team worked well together through various drills and exercises.
• Senior defensive specialist Megan Shiftlett was working hard with Rose and several other players on her digs. On one such dig, Rose accidentally spiked the ball directly into her face. There was no harm done.
• On that note, it's worth mentioning that Rose, 57, has a pretty impressive spike.
• Outside hitter Darcy Dorton practiced for the first time in front of the media Thursday. The redshirt sophomore didn't play last season after tearing her left anterior crucial ligament (ACL). She looked completely recovered in practice, and ready in the Lions' opener Friday against Oregon.
• Every time a Lion serves a ball into the net during practice, they have to do a backwards somersault.
• Freshman setter Micha Hancock definitely has one of the best serves on the team.
• Former Lion Alyssa D'Errico visited practice Thursday to surprise her teammates from 2010. She recently signed a professional contract with Feel Volley Alcobendas, a team from Spain, and she is scheduled to leave Sept. 1.