April 1, 2011
Complete release in pdf format
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The 10th-ranked Penn State men's volleyball team (19-5, 9-0 EIVA) welcomes George Mason (14-8, 6-1 EIVA) to Rec Hall on Saturday, April 2. Action is set for 7 p.m. Penn State currently sits at first place in the EIVA and looks to secure its 27th EIVA/ECVL title since 1976, as well as earn the right to host the EIVA Semifinals and Championship on April 28 and 30.
Penn State Preview
The Nittany Lions own a 19-5 record and are the only undefeated team in the EIVA Tait division with a 9-0 record. The Nittany Lions have won four of their last five matches, most recently defeating Princeton and Rutgers-Newark in their final EIVA road trip of the season. Sophomore Tom Comfort (Orchard Park, N.Y.) led the Nittany Lions averaging 4.00 kills per set, while redshirt junior Edgardo Goas (San Juan, Puerto Rico) dished out 10.20 assists per set. Sophomore Nick Turko (Lewisberry, Pa.) had a team-best 0.67 aces per set, and also led the team at the net with 0.67 blocks per set. Senior Dennis Del Valle (Toa Alta, Puerto Rico) was a strong presence in the back row with 3.00 digs per set. For the weekend, Penn State hit .338 and averaged 13.17 kills, 11.50 assists, 1.83 aces, 7.83 digs and 1.42 blocks per set.
Penn State vs. George Mason
The Nittany Lions are 86-14 overall against the Patriots. George Mason is Penn State's second-most common opponent. The Lions and the Patriots met earlier this season in the 100th meeting between the two squads. Penn State came away with a dominating 3-0 victory hitting a season-high .461.
Scouting the Patriots
The Patriots are 14-8 overall this season and 6-1 in conference play, currently sitting in second in the league standings. They have clinched a spot in the 2011 EIVA Tournament. George Mason has won three of its last five matches, defeating Mount Olive, Lees-McRae and Lewis. The most recent losses for the Patriots came on a trip to Illinois where Loyola-Chicago and Lewis both came away with victories.
What's Next?
The Nittany Lions host Ohio State on April 10 at 5 p.m. The match will air live on the Big Ten Network. Prior to the match, the squad's two seniors, Alan Mars and Dennis Del Valle, will be honored for their contributions to the Nittany Lion men's volleyball program.
For more information on the Penn State men's volleyball team, please visit GoPSUsports.com. The Penn State men's volleyball 2011 season is presented by Rockvale Outlets and The Outlets at Hershey.