Oct. 16, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Fresh off a 2013 season that featured Penn State's 15th consecutive trip the NCAA National Semifinals, the Nittany Lions are returning to the court to host a fall tournament. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 17 and running through Saturday, Oct. 19, PSU will welcome Saint Francis (Pa.) and Ohio State, as well as international teams Dalhousie and Monterey Tech from Canada and Mexico.
Penn State will square off against Saint Francis Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. after Dalhousie and Monterey Tech open the event with a match at 5 p.m. in Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions will then play Dalhousie Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. following Ohio State and Monterey Tech at 5 p.m. PSU closes out the event with a match against Monterey Tech Saturday, Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m., after Ohio State and Dalhousie face off at 2 p.m.
Penn State concluded the 2013 campaign with a 23-8 overall record, posting a 13-1 mark in conference play. The Nittany Lions also highlighted the season with a 3-0 sweep against then-No. 3 Harvard for its 25th overall and 15th straight EIVA Championship title.
With the departure of five seniors last season, Penn State returns a core group this year, while also welcoming five freshmen to the roster. With just one senior returning, the Nittany Lions will look for contributions from veteran upperclassmen as well as the fresh faces on the court.
Peter and Aaron Russell are two top returners, as the duo combined for a hefty amount of offensive production last year. Led by Aaron, who closed out the year averaging 3.59 kills per set, Peter followed closely behind, with 2.77 per frame. Redshirt sophomore Matt Seifert led the blocking unit during the 2013 season, registering 77 total blocks, including 10 solo blocks.
OPPONENT QUICK SETS
Ohio State Buckeyes - Columbus, Ohio
2013 record: 19-8, 9-5 Nationally ranked throughout the season, Ohio State posted a 19-8 overall record in 2013, closing out the season with a 3-2 loss to No. 5 Grand Canyon in the MIVA Quarterfinal match. The Buckeyes lost seven seniors, but return 15 to the court this season.
Saint Francis Red Flash - Loretto, Pa.
2013 record: 12-15, 7-7 After a 12-15 overall mark in 2013 and an even 7-7 record in the conference, Saint Francis enters this weekend with a 20-man roster consisting of nine seniors, who are poised to lead the Red Flash into a successful 2013-14 campaign.
Dalhousie Tigers - Halifax, Nova Scotia
2013 record: 11-6 An Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competitor, the Dalhousie Tigers have won 33 AUS championships, including their most recent title in 2009-10. Various former Tigers have been honored as AUS all-stars, earning Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Canadian awards for their performances on the court.
Monterey Tech Borregos - Monterrey, Mexico
With an average team height of 6'1," the Borregos will take to the court in Rec Hall with size on their side. The 12-man roster features student-athletes from various parts of Mexico, including Mexico City, Puebla, Cozumel, Coatzacoalcos, Tierra Blanca and Texcoco.