Coaches Caravan Stop I Photo Gallery

Coaches Caravan Stop II Photo Gallery

Coaches Caravan Registration

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The 18-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan kicked off on Monday morning in downtown Philadelphia before a crowd of more than 250 Nittany Lion fans and alums.

The Penn State themed bus pulled out of the Bryce Jordan Center at 6:33 a.m. en route to the Hilton Doubletree on Broad Street downtown Philly.  Take a look through some highlights on day one of the nine-day caravan that will cover seven states and Washington, D.C.

Coach O'Brien and Coach Chambers sharing ideas on the bus ride to Philadelphia.

Stop I - Philadelphia
Head coaches Bill O'Brien, Patrick Chambers and Char Morett made the trek to Philly for the first leg of the caravan.  All three head coaches participated in a media session before speaking at the formal lunch program, which began at noon.

Chambers and Morett both hail from Delaware County in the Philadelphia area.  Coach O'Brien is a Boston guy.  As he took the microphone during the lunch event, Coach O'Brien joked with the crowd that the last time he was driving down Broad Street he was in a New England Patriots team bus, and it was not the same reception he received in the ballroom on Monday.

During his speech, Coach O'Brien shared some of his visions for the program, including the four pillars of Penn State Football - Academics, Football, Respect and Integrity.  He also revealed to the room that the team would start a new tradition of singing the alma mater with the Penn State band on the field following each home game.

Coach Chambers said on Monday that he is thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with loyal fan base.  Since taking the head coaching position 11 months from Tuesday, Coach Chambers said he has wanted to get out into the Penn State community, shake hands and meet people.

Coach Chambers told the room of more than 250 fans that the hoops team just finished a superb spring season of workouts.  He is looking forward to beginning his second season in the fall, which will feature a stop at The Palestra in Philly for a game against La Salle.  He asked the room to pack The Palestra when the Lions return to Philadelphia in the fall.

Prior to Chambers and O'Brien taking the microphone, Coach Morett gave here younger counterparts a bit of a roast at the microphone.  She joked with the crowd that no matter where they go, Coach Chambers and Coach O'Brien have entourages with them.  The room erupted into laughter.

The coaches then fielded questions from the crowd during a Q&A session.  The very first question from the crowd went directly to Coach O'Brien.

"What do you predict for our record this year?"

Coach O'Brien laughed and responded with the same message he tells his team.

"We play 12, one-game seasons," Coach O'Brien said.

A fan from New York, who holds men's basketball season tickets behind the bench in the Bryce Jordan Center told Coach Chambers to turn around and ask him for advice any time he needs it during a game.  Coach Chambers laughed and said that he would expect nothing less from a New Yorker.

With the first lunch complete, the caravan travel party boarded the bus in the shadows of the William Penn statue atop Philadelphia City Hall en route to Drexelbrook.


- Former Nittany Lion Adam Taliaferro was in the crowd at lunch in Philadelphia.

VIDEO: Stop I Media Interviews

With the longer nature of the evening program, all three coaches spoke at great length about their visions of their programs and the athletic department.  Coach Morett delivered an energetic speech on what it means to be a true Penn Stater.  A veteran leader for 25 seasons, Coach Morett demonstrates passion for Penn State University every time she speaks.

Coach Chambers followed with another energetic, attitude-filled presentation.  Back in his hometown, the leader of Nittany Lion basketball talked about laying the foundation for future success in 2011-12.  Coach Chambers said that change is not going to happen overnight, but the energy level and work ethic the team and staff will bring to the court every night will change the perception of Penn State Basketball.

Following Coach Morett and Coach Chambers, Coach O'Brien delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation of his visions for Penn State Football.  The speech included slides with the foundations for the program, the staff, the signs mounted on the doors for the players to read as the enter and leave the Lasch Building and the type of football team fans can expect on the field.

All three coaches did a tremendous job engaging the audience with energetic speaking presentations.  Fans who do not have plans to attend one of the evening sessions on the Coaches Caravan, register today.  You will not be disappointed with what you hear and see.  The Caravan rolls into Baltimore for lunch and Washington, D.C. for dinner on Tuesday and Richmond for breakfast and Harrisburg for dinner on Wednesday.

- Former Penn State greats Massimo Manca and Blair Thomas were in attendance on Monday night.


For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can call 1-800-648-8269 (1-800-NITTANY) weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Ticket Center.

For the first time in my career here at Penn State, and apparently for the first time in many years, our team had the opportunity to play an inter-squad scrimmage during Blue White weekend. What a perfect way to finish off the spring season! Although we play against each other every day in practice, there's something exciting about being in our game jerseys and on our home court playing in front of our home crowd. Thanks to all of you who came out to support us! It was a hard fought battle between Team Blue and Team Qhite, having only a few points decide the winner of each set. The four sets we played were filled with big blocks, incredible digs, a couple of aces and some crazy rallies that seemed to keep going forever. All in all, I thought it showed how competitive our team really is and the passion that we play with every time we step onto that court.

As you all know, Kristin Carpenter and I just finished our last spring season. Where did the time go?? I know I can speak for her saying that it feels like just yesterday we were freshmen on campus. Once finals week is over this Friday, we will officially be seniors. I still can't believe it. Without a doubt in my mind, Penn State has been the perfect fit for me, both academically and athletically. I can't imagine playing for anyone other than Coach Rose. Not only has he taught me a lot about volleyball, but he has taught me about life and what is to come on the road ahead. 

This spring brought about some changes. We lost some players and an assistant coach, but we also gained a great resource in Steve Aird. We all improved in areas we needed to get better in, but the work is never over. This summer we are looking forward to improving and ready to keep working hard. See you in August!

Marika Racibarskas

By Laura Finley and Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion softball team took full advantage of a weekend at home playing a series against Minnesota that ended with three come-from-behind victories. Powered by a strong performance by Lisa Akamine on the mound, the Penn State softball team never backed down, showing resilience in its will to win.

"We have a tremendous amount of character and fight," said head coach Robin Petrini. "You hardly ever come back in the seventh from a 1-0 deficit, but to come back from a 3-0 deficit twice and then be down by one run in the seventh, it's incredible we did it three times in a row."

On Saturday during game one, Penn State trailed the Gophers 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth. But the Nittany Lions' scrappy at-bats against Minnesota Sara Moulton came alive to put up three runs on three hits and one walk. Continuing to battle, the Gophers relieved Moulton on the mound and regained a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh as Penn State's Kasie Hatfield stepped to the plate.

Hatfield doubled to left, Lisa Akamine followed with a walk and Liz Presto singled to right to load the bases for Shannon Hutchinson. Hutchinson kept her foot on the gas with an RBI single to load the bases again and tie the contest. Gophers' reliever Alissa Koch struck-out Alyssa Sovereign to delay the end, but Cassidy Bell came up one at-bat later with a centerfield blooper to score Akamine and take the game.

In game two a similar suit followed as the Nittany Lions again trailed Minnesota 3-0. This time the deficit remained heading into the bottom of the seventh. But Penn State got on Moulton again, and rallied behind a two-run single from Bell and an RBI single from Kailyn Johnson. Heading into the eighth, the score was even at three.

Lions' starter Akamine took care of the Gopher offense in the top of the inning before Penn State made its roar. After working runners to the corners, a hitless Sovereign came to the plate with two outs for the Lions. The lefty poked a single into the left-centerfield gap to score Presto from third and sweep the doubleheader.

The series continued Sunday, looking much like the two previous games. The Gophers scored three runs in the second after a homerun was hit by Erika Smyth. Penn State quickly answered in the bottom of the third with Akamine scoring on a wild pitch after being walked by Moulton. Carrying the momentum into the forth the Nittany Lions scored as Sovereign hit an RBI double, bringing in Hutchinson to make it 3-2.

With Penn State showing some fight, Akamine focused on keeping the Nittany Lions in the game, but had her work cut out for her. The Gophers had the bases loaded in the seventh and with two outs all eyes were on the mound. Akamine proved herself yet again, throwing a strikeout and renewing hope for the Nittany Lions.

"Lisa has been great all weekend for us," said Coach Petrini. "She just kept us in the game and without her effort we just didn't have a shot. She made an outstanding effort and I can't say enough good things about how she pitched this weekend."

Penn State came out hitting in the bottom of the seventh, determined to make their third comeback of the weekend. A hit by Alyssa Renwick started the late inning surge as she reached first on a fielders choice. With two outs, Johnson singled to left and Renwick advanced to second. A wild pitch by Moulton set the Nittany Lions up to score as Lauren Yao stepped to the plate.

"I went up to bat and I knew I had to get a hit," said Yao. "It was our last chance to get a run in the game and I went in being positive, thinking I was going to get a hit the entire time."

And she did, posting a single to left and driving in Johnson and Renwick to bring Penn State the win 4-3. The win also kept up the Nittany Lions winning record at home as the team has now won nine of their past ten games at Beard Field.

"It helps the team confidence," said Coach Petrini. "They're excited to have two days off. That was what was on the line today for winning a game and I think they're excited about that, but we'll be ready to go on the road and play Illinois this week"

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With the series tied 1-1 and Penn State (22-22, 8-7 Big Ten) trailing by two runs with two outs in the bottom of the 10th, senior outfielder Sean Deegan took a high fastball and crushed a three-run walk-off homerun to give the Nittany Lions a key conference win, 8-7, over the Ohio State Buckeyes (24-20, 8-10 Big Ten).

"That's just something you dream about," said Deegan.  "You always dream about hitting that walk-off and throwing your helmet up and having your teammates mob you at the plate, so it's just unreal."

In a back and fourth game that featured eleven different pitchers over ten innings, both teams needed a win to stay in the race for the conference tournament at the end of the season.

"That game means a lot," said head coach Robbie Wine.  "That was a great series from start to finish and being a home team there was the key."

Nittany Lion starter John Walter had a good outing despite struggling with his command at times, going five and a third innings and allowing two runs on four hits and five walks with seven strikeouts.

The game was tied at two in the third inning when Penn State put up three runs on five hits to take a 5-2 lead.  With no outs, Junior Luis Montesinos hit a bases loaded two-run single down the first base line followed by an RBI groundout from freshman designated hitter J.J. White. 

The bullpen fought to hold the lead, but had a rough eighth inning in which four different relievers took the mound and allowed three runs on two hits, two hit batters and a walk, tying the game at five apiece.  Sophomore Greg Welsh entered the game and, with runners on first and second, recorded a strikeout to end the threat.  Seven pitchers were used in the eighth inning alone by both teams.

"They have to learn from every experience," said Coach Wine of his pitchers.  "Every time you step foot on the mound, learn something from it."

Welsh pitched strong through the ninth inning, but as the game entered extras, he lost his command in the 10th.  With two outs, runners on first and second, Welsh proceeded to walk the next three batters he faced to give the Buckeyes a 7-5 lead and all the momentum going into the bottom of the inning.

After two quick outs, freshman J.C. Coban and junior Elliot Searer both walked to keep the inning alive.  The fans, who had made their presence known throughout the game, rallied to support the Nittany Lions as Deegan stepped to the plate.  A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, but it wouldn't matter as Deegan belted his sixth homerun of the season to hand Penn State a critical 2-1 series win.

"Going into this series 1-1, we really needed this game to put ourselves in a good position," said Deegan.  "We have our fate in our own hands from here on out."

Every conference win counts and the victory for Penn State (22-22, 8-7 Big Ten) moves them into a potential four-way tie for third place in the Big Ten standings with six teams making the tournament. The Nittany Lions look to ride this weekend's momentum into Minnesota where Penn State will play a three-game series against the Golden Gophers (26-19, 9-5 Big Ten), who are second place in the Big Ten.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State football's Director of Strength and Conditioning, Craig Fitzgerald, is counting down the days until the Nittany Lions kick off their summer conditioning program on May 14 in the finished weight room inside the Lasch Football Building.

After working more than 12 hours on Saturday, Fitzgerald and the installation crews from Penn State OPP and Sorinex Exercise Equipment put the finishing touches on the new equipment configured in 24 stations that will host all strength and conditioning activities for Nittany Lion football.  Head into the custom finished weight room for an exclusive tour with Fitzgerald.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The nine-day, 18-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan kicks off on Monday with a lunch stop in Philadelphia and a dinner stop in Drexel Hill, Pa.

After more than 40 man hours for five Fullington Trailways employees, the specially-designed Coaches Caravan bus is wrapped with Penn State decals and ready to go.  There are 16 seats in the front half of the bus, some with tables, and leather couches and chairs in the back.

Bill O'Brien, Patrick Chambers and Char Morett will head on the road Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. en route to Philly to begin the first leg of the Penn State Coaches Caravan.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's volleyball team will continue its postseason run for yet another week thanks to a 3-1 victory over George Mason in the EIVA Championship match on Saturday night.

With the win, the Nittany Lions captured a 14th consecutive conference title in Rec Hall and earn a spot in the NCAA National Tournament where they will meet UC Irvine in the semifinals on Thursday in Los Angeles.

In what was the toughest conference competition that they said they've faced all season, the Lions took the first two sets by scores of 25-16 and 25-21 and dropped the third to the Patriots by a score of 25-20. But Penn State battled back in the fourth to a 25-22 set win and match victory.

Ten of the 17 rostered Nittany Lions saw action in the championship match as head coach Mark Pavlik said he used several of his deep lineup's assets to overcome George Mason.

"We weren't afraid to be wrong with our moves, and I think it paid off in the long run," Pavlik said of him and his coaching staff. "It just seemed like we maybe focused a little bit more on being dynamic and explosive and more or less kind of taking the game to them as opposed to just kind of reacting to what they were doing."

Aside from the first set, George Mason kept things interesting all night long tagging at the heels of the Lions and testing their defense by serving tough and finding ways to avoid the block.

Pavlik said that even when his team was down or when the Patriots gained momentum, he was confident that it would power through.

"Sometimes the toughest games to win are the ones you're supposed to," said Pavlik. "These guys have been told all season, you're 14-0 in the EIVA, you're going to win again, and I think that's the toughest match to win."

And the effort came from freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors to get the job done. Fifth-year senior Joe Sunder led the Lions with a resounding 15 kills while his freshman counterpart Aaron Russell followed with 11.

Pavlik said that he saw a fight in his team from top to bottom that remained constant and confident, and that he was particularly proud of the competitive maturity he saw in his veterans.

"Throughout the entire year they've managed to find a way to get back," said Pavlik. "I think that's really the experience that [Edgardo Goas]'s had and the experience that Joe's had saying, okay we've been here before, everybody take a deep breath and keep doing what we're doing."

Senior setter Goas said that he and Sunder couldn't take all of the credit, however, as he recognized that the bulk of the touches on the Penn State side were coming from the younger athletes.

Thirty-five of the 50 kills that the Nittany Lions put down came from the hands of underclassmen.

"These young guys are talented," said Goas. "I just like how everyone played and responded when we were against the wall."

At the end of the match, Goas, Russell and Sunder earned EIVA Championship All-Tournament honors and Sunder took home the plaque for Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Sunder said that for his last match in Rec Hall, winning the conference title wasn't a bad way to go out.

"I think that's the first time, since I've been here, that we've celebrated like that after winning the EIVA Championship," said Sunder. "You can't take that feeling away - that was a lot of fun."

By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - It is unusual for a 14-game regular season to be summarized in just a single game, but with the way the Penn State men's lacrosse team battled back against Hofstra on Saturday, that is exactly what was done.

The Nittany Lions erased a four-goal deficit heading into the fourth quarter to score a dramatic 9-8 double overtime victory over Hofstra on Senior Day.

"Our play today was an example of what we have been like all year," said head coach Jeff Tambroni following the victory.

"We battled through some adversity this year but we fought back and continued to believe in ourselves and our system and we found wins at the end of the year," Tambroni said. "That is the same way we battled today."

The Nittany Lions were quickly put in check after Hofstra scored four-straight first quarter goals.

"We started off really slow but we kept the faith and we continued to believe," said senior attackman Matt Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.), who registered his 97th, 98th and 99th career goals against the Pride.

"We said we needed possessions and we needed to execute small details like getting ground balls--we knew if we did that, then we had a chance."

Entering the fourth quarter, the Nittany Lions found themselves down by four goals with NCAA Tournament hopes in their minds.

Execution of details and possession time translated into an emphatic comeback that was sparked by a Mackrides' goal just a minute into the final quarter.

Following Mackrides' score, Penn State piled on five of the next six goals that would be scored in the game, including a dramatic score with just 18 seconds remaining from sophomore Gavin Ahern (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) that sent the contest into overtime.

In the sudden death overtime period, the Nittany Lions had trouble gaining possession, but lockdown defense held Hofstra from scoring, and sent the game into a second overtime frame.

"There was no magic formula for our defense," said assistant coach Peter Toner. "We just figured out what Hofstra was doing and we were able to make adjustments on defense that kept the ball out of the net."

The Pride secured possession yet again in the second overtime period, but a fantastic between-the-legs-save by goaltender Austin Kaut (Morton, Pa.) gave the ball back to the Nittany Lions, and led to the game-winning score.

"I knew that [one of Hofstra's attackman] was a righty from our scouting report," said Kaut. "I knew he would try to go to the right side of the net and I noticed that they liked to shoot in the five-hole, so I guessed correctly and ended up making the save."

The save gave the Nittany Lions possession with just under two minutes remaining in the period. After a Penn State timeout, sophomore Shane Sturgis (Downingtown, Pa.) and Matt Mackrides executed a play that led to Sturgis flinging the ball into the back of the net and securing the sudden-death victory.

"The game-winner was all about putting two of our best scorers out there in Shane and Matt and letting them work together," said Tambroni.

Once the comeback was complete, the team rushed the field and celebrated around Sturgis, whose goal secured the team's fifth win in a row.

"To cap off the season with an overtime win for our seniors and our entire team was something special," said Tambroni.

The comeback wouldn't have been possible without a key chain of events that turned the momentum in favor of the Nittany Lions.

A dramatic game-tying shot, lock-down defense, a crucial save, and a well executed play led to the emotional victory.

As for the play of the seniors, Mackrides wasn't the only veteran making an impact.

Senior attack Jack Forster (Jenkintown, Pa.) registered three points, midfielder Ryan Link (Englewood, Colo.) caused a turnover and picked up five ground balls, and defenseman Ryan McGarvey (Lower Gwynedd, Pa.) picked up one ground ball before leaving the contest after an apparent head injury.

The win caps off the regular season and gives Penn State a 5-1 record in the CAA, translating into the second seed in the CAA Tournament.

The Nittany Lions will host Drexel on Wednesday in the semifinal round of the CAA playoffs, and barring a win and a Massachusetts loss, the team could host yet another CAA Tournament game on Saturday, May 5.

Wednesday's faceoff against the Dragons is set for 7 p.m.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball (21-22, 7-7 Big Ten) responded to its 4-1 Friday night loss to Ohio State (24-19, 8-9 Big Ten) with a dramatic 5-4 win on Saturday.

Trailing by one run in the bottom of the eighth, the Lions plated two runs, one on a wild pitch and a second on a balk, to score a crucial victory in a nine-inning back and fourth showdown, evening the pivotal conference series to one apiece.

Junior Steven Hill took the mound for the Nittany Lions, his first start since the no-hitter at Iowa.  Though it wasn't his best outing, Hill went strong through seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.

Manufacturing runs was the name of the game for both teams as Ohio State got on the board early in the second after a single with runners on first and second gave the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead.

Penn State would respond in the bottom of the second when, with two outs, junior Luis Montesinos reached first on a walk, stole second, and was driven in by a base hit down the third base line from freshman designated hitter J.J. White.

After Ohio State broke the 1-1 tie in the fifth with a two-out RBI single, the Nittany Lions put together a two-run sixth on four hits.  Senior third baseman Joey DeBernardis sparked the rally with a double and scored on a single by senior first baseman Jordan Steranka.  With two outs, White singled to put runners on first and second for freshman catcher J.C. Coban, who ripped a single of his own to score Steranka and give Penn State the 3-2 lead.

"Playing a team like Ohio State with the Big Ten on the line and everything like that, it's just a bigger game and everyone comes out really ready to play their best," said White.  "We fought the entire game and it was a battle out there."

In the eighth, Ohio State put runners on first and third with nobody out and knocked Hill out of the game.  Junior Dave Walkling took the mound and battled to limit the Buckeyes to two runs on the inning.  Nevertheless, Penn State trailed 4-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth.

After White took his base on a hit-by-pitch to start the inning, Ohio State reliever David Fathalikhani walked the bases loaded on eight straight pitches.  The Buckeyes made a pitching change that would result in a wild pitch to tie the game at four and then a balk to give the Nittany Lions a 5-4 lead.

"That's baseball, you create your own breaks," said head coach Robbie Wine on the inning.  "You take advantage of some opportunities you have and last night they did and we didn't and tonight good things happened for us."

The drama continued in the ninth as Walkling returned to the mound and gave up a double to put the tying run on second with one out.  The runner then advanced to third on a tight groundout to shortstop Elliot Searer. With two outs, Walkling struck out the final batter of the game with three straight spectacular sliders.

"I'm starting to gain a lot of confidence knowing that I'm going to go in with a little bit of adversity and just in my mentality and my focus know I'm going to go in and throw strikes and have my other pitches working for me," said Walkling.  "It's worked out."

The rubber match to decide the series is slated for tomorrow at 1:05 p.m.  John Walter will have the start for the Nittany Lions as they try to win a key game three against rival Ohio State.

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball struggled all night long and was never able to get in an offensive rhythm as they fell at home Friday night in the first game of a three game series 4-1 to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Nittany Lions got off to a strong start in the first on both the offensive and defensive side of the field.  Following a strong 1, 2, 3 inning for Penn State starter Joe Kurrasch, the offense was able to do damage of their own. 

With two outs in the first Joey DeBernardis was able to put a good mark on the ball to double and get things going.  That's when Jordan Steranka did his job in the batter's box as he singled to bring DeBernardis home and put the Lions up 1-0.

The Nittany Lions avoided major trouble in the second inning as the Buckeyes were able to load the bases with no outs due to a wild Joe Kurrasch.  Following a walk by Kurrasch bringing in a run to tie the game at one, the Penn State defense was able to get a line-out followed by a double play to get out of the inning safe. 

After the eventful first two innings this game turned into a pitcher's duel the rest of the way. 

Joe Kurrasch did solid work throughout the night for Penn State as he went six and two third innings of four hit ball, only allowing one run for the Buckeyes. 

The eighth inning is when offense finally broke through as Ohio State was able to pull together a two-out rally to put the Buckeyes up.  A two out single put Ohio State up one, then two bases loaded walks back to back gave the Buckeyes a 4-1 lead, which they never gave up.

The Lions were never able to get in a rhythm and come back due to a strong pitching performance by the Buckeyes Jarron Long, who went eight innings for the win.

Despite the tough loss the Nittany Lions know they have to come right back ready to go.

"Tomorrow is a new day," said Jordan Steranka following the loss.

"That was a good college ball game," added head coach Robbie Wine on a positive note.  "They stuck to their plan, we stuck to ours."

The Nittany Lions will get ready to face Ohio State twice more this weekend and bounce back with that plan as they will play tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 pm at Medlar Field, then again Sunday at the same time and place. 

By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Six seniors will take the field for their last home game on Saturday against Princeton. Dana Cahill, Theresa Zichelli, Aly Adams, Brittany Chamberlain, Kelsey Hughes and Elaine Welch will be honored at centerfield accompanied by their parents prior to the opening draw.

These six seniors took time to reflect on their last four years as student athletes here at Penn State University. These long time teammates and friends shared why they chose Penn State and their favorite memories both on and off the lacrosse field.

Goalie and captain Dana Cahill has established herself as one of the nations top goalkeepers. Earning First Team All-West/Midwest Region and All-ALC honors in addition to being named ALC Goalkeeper of the Year. Cahill finished the 2011 season with a 9.95 goals against average, a .466 save percentage, 150 saves, and a team-high 47 ground balls.  In 2012 Cahill has been selected as a nominee for the Tewaarton Award given to the nations top female lacrosse player. Cahill's stats are extremely impressive with a 9.98 goals against average, a .514 save percentage and 149 saves.

Assistant coach Amy Altig hopes Cahill looks back on her career and is as proud of her accomplishments as all of her teammates and coaches are.

"For her, I hope she looks back at the end of this year and says I had an awesome senior year," said Altig. "All the accolades aside, I hope she is proud of herself for the progress she has made in her career. I know we couldn't be more proud of her and I know her teammates are."

Co-captain, Theresa Zichelli a four-year starter in the midfield has been instrumental to the success of this program these last four years. When you think of Theresa Zichelli the word determined comes to mind. Zichelli consistently gives 100 percent both on and off the lacrosse field. Going into this season Zichelli's personal goal was to be a larger threat on offense and she has accomplished just that. Zichelli is the fifth leading goal scorer on the team with 19 goals, and registered a notable 23 groundballs, 22 draw controls and 11 caused turnovers.

Aly Adams a native of Springfield, Pa. has been coming to Penn State for eight years now. Prior to attending Penn State Adams would come visit her brother, Drew, who was a stand out goalie on the men's team. Adams says ever since she was a little girl her dream was to attend Penn State.

"Whenever I came to watch Drew, I knew this was the place I wanted to be," said Adams. "I am so honored to say I have played lacrosse here and that I am graduating with a Penn State degree. In my last four years I have had so many great memories that I can't choose a favorite."

Elaine Welch from Bernardsville, N.J., saw action in 11 games this season with starts against Florida and Northwestern. When reminiscing on her experience at Penn State Welch remembered the first time she drove to Penn State and saw Beaver Stadium from Route 80.

"I can't imagine what it is going to feel like when I see the stadium in my rear view mirror driving home after graduation," said Welch. "This school, my teammates and the memories I have made here I will never forget. These last four years have gone by way too fast."

Brittany Chamberlain, a defender from Finksburg, Md., made appearances in eight games this season before she was sidelined for two separate concussions. However, the injuries haven't stopped her. Chamberlains vocal leadership can still be heard from the sideline. She has a voice people listen to and the defensive unit still looks to her for advice.

"I want to make my teammates around me better for the future of this program," said Chamberlain. "I want to make an impact and leave my mark even though I haven't been able to play."

Kelsey Hughes transferred her sophomore year from the University of Denver to be a part of something special.

"The best thing about this school is the amount of pride the students and alumni have for this school," said Hughes. "I love wearing my Penn State clothes and getting "We Are" chanted at me when I am at home in Maryland. I am proud to have been a part of this University and say I graduated from Penn State with 'Success with Honor'."

These six seniors have one last wish before they leave and that is to win the ALC tournament title and make it the NCAA tournament for the first time in their collegiate careers.

Follow these six seniors and the rest of the Nittany Lions as they close out their regular season play this Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Penn State Lacrosse Stadium.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Nittany Lion football head coach Bill O'Brien threw out the first pitch and signed autographs at Friday's Penn State baseball game against Ohio State.

Take a look.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Never before have Penn State coaches participated in a traveling caravan of the magnitude at least 12 coaches are set to embark on during the next three weeks.

The Coaches Caravan, a nine-day, 18-stop excursion through seven states (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Ohio) and the District of Columbia kicks off on Monday with visits to downtown Philadelphia at lunch and Drexel Hill, Pa., for dinner.

Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien will headline the Coaches Caravan roster at all 18 stops on the tour.  Coach O'Brien and the traveling coaches will ride in the modified Fullington Trailways, Penn State-themed bus for the duration of the caravan.

"I am really looking forward to getting out on the road to meet the alums and fans," Coach O'Brien said.  "I really want to share my vision for the football program.  And then getting the opportunity to travel with a lot of the other coaches will be fun."

The list coaches includes men's basketball's Patrick Chambers (four stops), women's basketball's Coquese Washington (six stops), field hockey's Char Morett (three stops), men's volleyball's Russ Rose (one stop), men's and women's track and field/cross country's Beth Alford-Sullivan (four stops), women's golf's Denise St. Pierre (two stops), men's soccer's Bob Warming (six stops), men's golf's Greg Nye (six stops), men's hockey's Guy Gadowsky (six stops), women's hockey's Josh Brandwene (two stops) and Mark Pavlik (six stops).

"We need to get out there and meet people," Coach Chambers said.  "They need to feel a connection with me and our team.  And when you do that, it may entice the fans to get to campus, come to some games, and maybe even get to some road games if they are in the area where we are playing."

"So many people support Penn State and the women's basketball program," said Coach Washington.  "It is always exciting to get out and see some of the fans.  Having face-to-face interaction with them helps us learn what more we can do to make their experience with our program better.  It also gives us a chance to let them know how much we appreciate what they do for us."

Coach O'Brien will deliver a presentation on the road, highlighting some of his coaching philosophies, visions, core values and more.  It is also a great opportunity for the new leader of Penn State football to meet some of the loyal fans and alums in cities across seven states and Washington, D.C.

"Again, one of the things that is very important for me is for people to hear my vision for the program - the things we talk about with the players, like honesty, integrity, knowing your role, being involved in the community and keeping that balance between academics and football," Coach O'Brien said.

I will be joining Coach O'Brien and the traveling coaches on the bus during all nine days of the Coaches Caravan.  From the time the bus pulls out of the Bryce Jordan Center parking lot on Monday at 6:30 a.m. until it pulls back into town from Buffalo on May 17, GoPSUsports.com will have written and video coverage from every step of the way during a three-week trek.

"They (coaches and staff) are going to get a full dose of me.  I don't know whether that is good or bad (laughter)," Coach O'Brien said.  "I am looking forward to it.  It will be somewhat of a bonding trip with some of the other coaches, and I am looking forward to getting to know some of those people."

In previous years, Hall of Fame head coach Joe Paterno and a few select coaches hit the road for a limited number dinner events, but never before has there been a caravan with 18 stops featuring at least 12 coaches.

Coach O'Brien and the Penn State Coaches Caravan are coming to a city near you.  Register today by clicking the link listed below.  We look forward to seeing you on the road.


Penn State Coaches Caravan Registration


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - While Saturday's game against Hofstra won't be the final home game for the Penn State men's lacrosse team, it is sure to be an emotional night for the seniors.

The CAA matchup and final regular season game will serve as "Senior Night" for Penn State's five graduating players.

All five seniors have played influential roles for the Nittany Lions at one point or another, each with at least a season's worth of starts under their belts.

"It is going to be a weird feeling putting that jersey on for the last time," said attackman Matt Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.). "Being with these seniors for the past four years has been a great journey and it means everything to me."

Mackrides is entering Saturday's contest with 96 career goals, which is tied for sixth all-time in program history.

As for his plans after graduating from Penn State, the consistent scorer plans on pursuing a career with Major League Lacrosse. He was drafted 26th overall in the 2012 MLL Draft by the Chesapeake Bayhawks.

"I am excited for the opportunity and the experience to play for the Chesapeake Bayhawks but for now my focus is on Penn State lacrosse," Mackrides said.

Mackrides has not been alone on the attack for Penn State throughout his four prolific seasons--he is joined by fellow senior Jack Forster (Jenkintown, Pa.), who is in the midst of a career-high season in multiple statistical categories.

"It has been the best part of my day everyday to come in here and compete with these guys," said Forster.

The redshirt senior has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, losing the 2008 and 2010 season to knee injuries. This season has been injury-free for Forster and he is leading the team in all offensive categories.

"It has been a relief [to be injury-free], knock on wood, and I feel a hundred times better than last season," he said.

On the other side of the ball, seniors Dave Baker (Havertown, Pa.), Ryan McGarvey (Lower Gwynedd, Pa.), and Ryan Link (Englewood, Colo.) are also starting to feel the emotions arise as their collegiate careers wind down.

"I feel like we are never really done with Penn State lacrosse," said Baker. "We may be graduating but we will always feel like a part of this team."

Baker started 13 games in 2010 in the goal for the Nittany Lions and remains an integral part of the team as he provides leadership and motivation on the sidelines.

Following graduation, Baker plans to pursue a master's degree in education.

Helping Baker out on the defensive side of the ball is defenseman Ryan McGarvey, who scored his first-career goal this season from nearly the length of the field in a loss to Bucknell.

The preseason All-CAA defenseman has appeared in 40 games for the Nittany Lions over the course of his career and has been the foundation of the tenth-best scoring defense in the country during 2012.

Joining McGarvey in a consistent career of appearances is midfielder Ryan Link, who has appeared in 43 games in his career and leads the team in caused turnovers.

Link is a diverse player, whose abilities include playing on both sides of the field and switching from short-pole to long-pole at points during games.

The relatively small senior class, making up only five of a 38-man roster has been influential in the team's late season push towards the playoffs.

"From start to finish they have done an unbelievable job," said head coach Jeff Tambroni. "They set the culture for this team on and off the field."

Coach Tambroni, in his second year as head coach, joined the program after this group of seniors already had two seasons under their belts.

"They are leaving this place better than they found it," he said.  "Their legacy is embedded in a very strong foundation and I hope when they look back they will see their footprint on Penn State lacrosse for years to come."

Faceoff against Hofstra is set for noon on Saturday. Win or lose, the team will host a first round game of the CAA Tournament on May 2 at 7 p.m.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - When charter buses roll into the parking lots surrounding Rec Hall in the late weeks of April and young men taller than most professors here on campus step off, it can only mean one thing.

Postseason volleyball.

In the first night of the EIVA postseason competition in Rec Hall, the top-seeded Nittany Lions handed the fourth-seeded Princeton Tigers a 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-22) loss.

Earlier in the evening, third-seeded George Mason defeated second-seed Harvard as well. The two winners, Penn State and George Mason, will play for the EIVA Championship title on Saturday at 7 p.m. back in Rec Hall.

The Nittany Lions out-hit and out-served the Tigers to roll to their first victory of the postseason, posting an attack average of .418 to Princeton's .208 and registering nine service aces to the Tigers' two.

Penn State was able to power its offense behind strong performances on every inch of the court, as head coach Mark Pavlik said his team looked more determined than he had seen it before.

"We've been practicing really well the last two weeks," said Pavlik. "I think that everybody's on the same page. I told these guys in the locker room after the match that this was as focused of an effort we've gotten."

And after a 21-5 regular season record, Pavlik said that a team effort is the only thing he expected to see at the start of postseason play.

"I think this is what the legacy of Penn State men's volleyball is," said Pavlik. "At this time of year, this isn't about any individual; this isn't about look at me, look what I can do, it's all about let's get through the EIVA and get to the NCAAs."

In order to get to where their head coach wants them to be, the Nittany Lions will need to ride offensive efforts like the ones sophomore Tom Comfort and senior Joe Sunder had against the Tigers. Comfort rendered a match-high 12 kills and hit .500 for the night while Sunder notched 11 kills of his own to swing at an average of .625 for the match.

"I just really wanted to go out and send a message and just make sure that our team gets off to a good start," said the sophomore opposite.

Comfort added that his team's mentality during the postseason is the same 'never say die' attitude that it has carried all year long.

"We've got to stay focused, listen to what the coaches tell us and just play hard," said Comfort. "Every day we play hard in practice and we get better so we've just got to keep doing the things that we always do."

"It's a Penn State volleyball tradition thing."

If the Nittany Lions pull off another conference win on Saturday night in the EIVA final, they will be appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the 26th time in program history and capture their 14th consecutive EIVA Tournament title.

As Pavlik sat by, smiling, sophomore outside hitter Jace Olsen pointed out that a 14th straight conference title is something that his team needs to have.

"If you see on our EIVA trophy, we'll have one whole side after this year," said Olsen. "It's the Penn State side."

By Chardonnai Johnson, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - In September 2010, Terry and Kim Pegula made an unprecedented donation to enable the construction of a state of the art hockey arena at Penn State.

At a ceremony last Friday, April 20, the Pegulas officially broke ground on the arena that will bear their name, finally letting their dreams take shape.

"It's just a very special day," said Terry Pegula. "It's really just great to see the progress of it all."

The Pegulas' donation sprouted out of Terry Pegula's own lifelong love for hockey and his alma mater. He graduated from the university in 1973 with a degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering. Pegula's love for hockey runs so deep that even owns an NHL team, the Buffalo Sabres.

"I love hockey," said Pegula. "And I've mentioned publicly the conversations with Joe [Battista] I had about why Penn State has no D-I program. One thing led to another and that's why we're here today."

Joining the Pegulas in the groundbreaking was Penn State President Rodney Erickson, hockey coaches Josh Brandwene and Guy Gadowsky, Acting Athletic Director David Joyner, and Associate Athletic Director for hockey development Joe Battista.  The ceremony marked another major milestone in the journey towards a new arena and Division I hockey in Happy Valley.

"This has been talked about since the early 70s," said Battista. "Only because of the generosity of Terry and Kim Pegula are we all here today to celebrate this next step in Division I hockey."

More than 13 formal proposals to start men's and women's varsity programs were given to Penn State before the Pegula gift.

The Greenberg Ice Pavilion, the current arena for the hockey teams, was originally conceived to host varsity programs but had to be re-imagined after budget concerns.

The Pegulas' original donation of $88 million was upped to a whopping $102 million after the cost estimates were predicted to be higher than they had anticipated.

Their generosity made their donation the largest private gift in Penn State history and also the fourth largest gift from a private individual to an institution in the past three years.

"The Pegula gift is so significant," said Joyner. "We obviously needed the funding to be able to develop an appropriate facility to do this. This is a great day for Penn State Athletics and Penn State Hockey."

Construction on the arena, located near the corner of University Drive and Curtin Road across from the Bryce Jordan Center, began in early February of this year.

For the 2013-2014 season, the men's team will join the Big Ten while the women's team starts their second year as College Hockey America members.

With the construction on the Pegula Ice Arena scheduled to wrap up in the fall of 2013, both of the teams' 2013-2014 season will coincide with its official opening.

Many of the officials and coaches who played a part in its development are surprised by the amount of progress being made so quickly.

"It's a reality," said Coach Gadowsky. "It's becoming a reality and the excitement just builds every time you see something new happening with the construction."

Coach Brandwene is also thrilled about the progress and shares the same level of excitement as his athletes.

"It kind of came in for a landing this morning," said Coach Brandwene. "In terms of where we were and where we're going. This is going to be the crown jewel of college hockey."

The new arena will feature two ice surfaces: a main rink for Penn State's varsity hockey programs and a community rink. The main arena will feature 6,000 seats, including a 1,000-seat student section.

There will also be a 5,000 square foot weight room, steam room, team lounge, hydrotherapy training center, and locker rooms.

With the ceremonial dig now behind them, the Pegulas dream for a better arena for hockey players and hockey fans alike is now becoming a tangible thing.

"I honestly didn't think that we'd be at this stage yet," said Pegula. "Now we're here today and it's rather interesting how exciting it is to be moving Penn State into D-I land."

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With spring practice in the books, Coach O'Brien is packing his backs for a nine-day, 18-stop road trip.

The leader of Penn State football, along with a minimum of 12 other coaches who are scheduled to participate along the way, will hit the road beginning on Monday, April 30, for a seven state Coaches Caravan.  Coach O'Brien is eager to meet Penn State fans and alums during the next three weeks, and he wants to see you during his travels.

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball student season ticket holders got a chance to experience what it is like to play on Medlar Field, as the team held two open batting practice sessions in April.

The laid back environment gave fans a chance to interact with their student peers on the baseball team, and were events the whole team enjoyed.

"It was a great turnout," said Penn State starting pitcher John Walter at the first session.  "These are the kids who came to see us play Canisius or Indiana, they want to see us play no matter what and it's great opportunity to give something back to them."

The more than 40 fans at session one were split into three groups, with one group hitting while the other two stood out in the field and shagged fly balls and hits with the players. 

That time when the players were in the field with the fans was a great chance for them to interact with the students in attendance, something not lost on first baseman Jordan Steranka. 

"It's great meeting and interacting with our fans," Steranka said.  "It's nice getting face to face experiences with them and experiencing the action with them."

The event was not only something the players enjoyed, but a great time for the fans in attendance as well, who each got 10 swings of batting practice on the field. 

"It's a pretty cool event, especially with the players and everything out here today," said Tim Kovacs, a sophomore engineering major, who also added he's gotten a chance to interact with some of the players out in the field. 

"It's great," added Matt Carty, a sophomore education major.  "It's fun getting out there, interacting with the guys to see what they think about the season.  I think it's really cool."

Fans of the Nittany Lions will have their next chance to catch the team play at home on Friday, April 27 as the team takes on Ohio State at home at 6:05 pm.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - There are few special moments as memorable as the one Penn State junior pitcher Steven Hill experienced on Saturday, April 21 at Iowa.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Hill was one retired batter away from a feat rarely accomplished by a pitcher at any level of play: the no-hitter.

The count was one ball and one strike when Hill induced a ground ball to junior shortstop Elliot Searer, who, charging forward, plucked the ball from dirt, fired to first and sparked elated chaos beside the pitcher's mound.

"He just chopped it to short," Hill put it simply.  "Elliot made a great read on it because the kid was fast, he was left-handed, and threw him out and I went nuts."

It was the first no-hitter by a Nittany Lion since Nate Bump no-hit Duquesne in 1995 and the first ever thrown by a Penn Stater in Big Ten play.  The emotions coursing through Hill's mind were hard to put into words.

"Still haven't really found the right answer for it," said Hill.  "It's a great feeling and just looking back on it and all the things that could've gone wrong but didn't, it's just hard to believe."

Hill first noticed he was throwing a no-hitter in the fourth inning when he glanced at the scoreboard, as he often does, to check on his performance thus far.  The idea was distant at the time, but when the eighth inning rolled around, Hill realized the reality of the situation.

"It was a different kind of nervous in the eighth and ninth," said Hill  "It was just an excited, let's just get this over with, thing."

The defense had his back throughout the afternoon.  In the seventh inning, senior first baseman Jordan Steranka made a spectacular play on a sharp groundball down the line, flipping it to Hill for the out at first. 

Hill had a shaky moment in the eighth after he threw two pitches up in the zone that resulted in a mound visit by pitching coach Jason Bell, who told him that everything he had worked for led up to this moment.  As an experienced veteran, Hill knew what he needed to do.

"(The hitters) are feeling as much pressure as me to get a hit," said Hill.  "You just pitch your game at that point."

When Hill returned to the mound in the ninth, he knew his team was behind him.  With one out, Iowa's Mike McQuillan belted a ball deep to left field.  Hill was sure it was a double until senior outfielder Sean Deegan drifted back and made a tremendous catch.

"As soon as Deegan made that play on the ball, which I thought was a for sure double, I was like 'just execute your pitches,'" said Hill.

What makes it challenging for a pitcher to throw a complete game without allowing a hit, or even a run, is because the more a batter comes to the plate, the better he is able to adjust to each pitch.  The key to success is location and changing speeds to keep the hitters off balance.

"I like to think that they're still trying to figure me out," said Hill.  "Keep them as uncomfortable as possible and just have a good mix of off speed and a fastball, locating a fastball."

When the moment of truth arrived, Hill's accuracy and fastball-changeup combination gave him the advantage he needed to force a groundout and end the game.  As the ball flew from Searer's hand to Steranka's glove, the celebration ensued.

"I just threw the glove, just did like an Anchorman sort of leap and I was just ready to jump up and down with the guys," said Hill.

As the players converged, it was senior Joey DeBernardis who reached his pitcher first and embraced him.  The range of positive emotions that goes through a player's head at such a moment is virtually indescribable, but one thing is for certain: there is no feeling in the world quite like it.

"DeBo (DeBernardis) was the first and then everyone else was just mobbing," Hill recalled.  "It was like a laugh-cry.  Just never been so happy in my life playing a sport.  It doesn't compare to anything."

Hill loves Penn State and throwing a no-hitter in a Penn State uniform is something he will never forget.

"It means a lot," said Hill.  "This is just something that I can have forever and it means the most that it's in a Penn State uniform because I wouldn't have wanted to do it in any other one."

Later in the hotel room, Hill watched SportsCenter Top 10 plays with his roommate junior Cody Lewis, having been informed his no-hitter had made the cut.  He never thought his play would make it to number two on the list.

"We didn't expect it to be that high," laughed Hill.  "Then sure enough it was number two and we both just screamed and then there was silence as we watched the highlight happen and then we just bear hugged."

With the memory forever encased in the back of his mind, Hill is ready to go back to work on Saturday against Big Ten rival Ohio State.

"I just got to continue to do what I've been doing and that's throw strikes, get ahead of guys and get outs," said Hill.

Happy Valley has found a true champion in the Texas native and Hill's accomplishment epitomizes the Penn State slogan, Success With Honor.

By Jeff Sattora and Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writers
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State (20-21, 6-6 Big Ten) baseball came from behind to down Mount St. Mary's (12-34) and Kent State (24-17) in back-to-back midweek games, building the momentum for this weekend's big series against Ohio State.

The Nittany Lions got off to a slow start offensively on Tuesday, waiting until they were down 3-0 in the eighth inning to put five runs on the board and take a 5-3 lead.  Senior first baseman Jordan Steranka sparked the attack with a leadoff double followed by a walk from freshman outfielder Aaron Novak and a single from junior second baseman Luis Montesinos to load the bases.  Freshman designated hitter J.J. White came to the plate and proceeded to drive in two with a base hit to left field.

"The people in front of me put me in a good position with zero outs," said White.  "I was just trying to get a run in with a sac-fly or something but the pitcher threw a curve ball over the plate and it found a hole."

White's hit ignited the offense as sophomore shortstop Elliot Searer singled with Montesinos on third to tie the game and senior outfielder Sean Deegan belted a bases clearing triple to left field, giving the Nittany Lions a 5-3 advantage.  The three-base shot by Deegan tied Penn State's all-time triples record of 13.

"It was very exciting to put a bunch of runs together," said Searer.  "These midweek games are important to keep momentum going into the weekend so it's nice to see guys sticking with it throughout the game."

Pitching was key for the Nittany Lions throughout both midweek games as senior Mike Franklin threw five innings against Mount St. Mary's, giving up no runs on two hits with four strikeouts.  Freshman Casey Kulina and junior Evan Dixon went a combined 2.1 innings of hitless and scoreless baseball out of the bullpen to seal the comeback win.

The trend of battling from behind continued with the arrival of Kent State on Wednesday.  Once again, the players found themselves down 3-0 early after the Golden Eagles manufactured a quick two runs in the first followed by one in the second.

Penn State trailed 3-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning when Deegan stepped up to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded.  With a 0-2 count, the senior took a hanging curveball and crushed his 14^th triple of the season off the right field wall, emptying the bases and breaking Penn State's all-time triples record.  Sophomore outfielder Steve Snyder followed with a base hit to score Deegan and gave the Nittany Lions a 5-3 lead.

"For us to have just one quick inning where we kind of just threw some runs up on the board had to be a back-breaker to them," said Deegan.

Though Penn State was outhit 19-9, the pitching staff held the Golden Griffins to just four runs thanks to a series of strategic pitching changes by head coach Robbie Wine and pitching coach Jason Bell.  Each new reliever came up with the right pitches when it mattered.

"Leaving runners on base and not letting them score is what helped us win this game," said sophomore lefthander Tim Dunn.

"We all just went in there, we threw strikes and we just kept with the same mindset that our pitching staff always has and we executed very well today," he added.

Junior Dave Walkling entered the game in the eighth with no outs, runners on first and second and Penn State leading 6-4.  Behind a spectacular slider, Walkling struck out the side to end the threat.  He then returned in the ninth and shut the door, striking out two more and allowing a meager one hit.

"I came in and had my pitches working and basically just threw the slider over and over and they just swung through it," said Walkling.

Penn State faces rival Ohio State at home this weekend in a critical series between two teams nearly deadlocked in the Big Ten standings.  The Nittany Lions are just one game from being tied for second in the conference and there are six teams separated by one and a half games or less.

"We have our fate in our own hands, so just trying to go out and win every series from here on out should set us in a good position for the Big Ten tournament," said Deegan.  "I think everyone's excited."

Penn State has been phenomenal at home and looks to build off the momentum of the two midweek victories.  The Nittany Lions are 13-3 on Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this season.  The pitching staff hasn't allowed a single homerun in their ballpark or against a conference opponent whereas the offense has 12 homeruns versus the Big Ten.  That being said, the players know its important not to get bogged down by stats and just play their game.

"We're just going to go out there and play how we know how to play," said Dunn.  "Just throw strikes, hit the ball and good things will happen."

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The nine-day, 18-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan kicks off on Monday with a lunch stop in Philadelphia and a dinner stop in Drexel Hill, Pa.

Men's hoops coach Patrick Chambers is excited to bring the attitude to his hometown of Philly, and he wants to see you there.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Under head coach Mark Pavlik and his decorated staff of volleyball veterans, the Penn State men's volleyball program has had quite a bit of success.

In his 18th season at the helm of the program, Pavlik has led the Nittany Lions to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, a 2008 NCAA National Title and has compiled a record of 434-125 overall.

The head coach has also managed to guide his student-athletes to 16 conference titles, 13 of which have come in the last 13 years.

After the Saint Francis match last Saturday night, which marked the completion of Penn State's regular season schedule, Pavlik reminded everyone that his team's season is far from over.

"We've still got more volleyball to play," said Pavlik.

The Nittany Lions are getting set to host the EIVA Championships in Rec Hall beginning Thursday evening. By dominating the conference with an undefeated 13-0 record, Penn State holds the top seed of the four teams that will be playing for an EIVA title. Harvard earned the No. 2 seed, George Mason holds the No. 3 seed and Princeton rounds out the group as the fourth-seeded team.

After Harvard and George Mason square off at 5:30 tomorrow night, Penn State and Princeton will take the court at 8 p.m. The winners of the two games will then vie for the conference crown on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pavlik said that he is excited to be entering into the postseason swing and even more pleased to be able to host the conference championships for another year.

"This is I think the 14th year in a row that we will have hosted this thing and every year I get more and more anxious for it," Pavlik said of the EIVA Championships. "It's that postseason atmosphere and that 'never say die' attitude that players have that really show everyone what men's volleyball is all about."

The head coach said that it was important for his team to finish on a high-note with a sweep over Saint Francis, and that now his job is to keep his athletes focused with their foots on the gas.

With their eyes on a national title run, Penn State has just a few short weeks to make their final statements for the 2012 season.

"You look and you say that we have four matches left, and that's it," said Pavlik. "So everything that they've done to get to this point, you hope has prepared them for what they're going to see in the next four matches."

All season long, Pavlik has said that one of the most important aspects of a successful team is the ability to play with a sense of competitive maturity. The head coach said that the need for respect and communication and unwavering drive on the court is something that will most likely never change, and something that he has seen truly grow in his team this season.

At the beginning of the year, the head coach sat in his Rec Hall office in front of picture frames and trophies and albums from years past and made a season prediction with a smile on his face.

"We're ready to go and we'd like to take as much as we can get this year," said Pavlik. "I don't think a National Championship is too much to ask."

Beginning tomorrow night, the Nittany Lions will start their run for Pavlik's one, small request.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Coach O'Brien will get his first taste of primetime Big Ten football on two different occasions during his first season at the helm of the Nittany Lion football program.

The Nittany Lions will play at Iowa (Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on BTN) under the lights at Kinnick Stadium for the second-straight visit.  One week later, Beaver Stadium will come alive when Penn State welcomes border rival Ohio State (Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. on ESPN or ESPN2) for a primetime clash.  The 2012 night game will mark the third time in the last four meetings at Beaver Stadium that Nittany Lions and Buckeyes will collide under the lights.

Prior to this season, Penn State has played 13 conference night games (8-5), including six primetime games inside Beaver Stadium (3-3).  The Ohio State game on Oct. 27 will mark the first time the Lions have hosted a night game since the 41-31 victory over Michigan on Oct. 30, 2010.

This season will also mark the first time in Penn State's Big Ten history and only the second time in program history that the Lions will play two-straight night games.  The only other time Penn State played two-straight night games during the regular season was in 1991 (at USC, vs. BYU).

For the third time in five seasons, the Nittany Lions will be playing at least two Big Ten games in primetime.  Penn State played two Big Ten night games in 2010 (at Iowa and vs. Michigan) and three night games in 2008 (vs. Illinois, at Wisconsin, at Ohio State).

Few things compare to a night game in Beaver Stadium.  Make plans to be in Happy Valley on Oct. 27 for Penn State's primetime clash with the rival Buckeyes.


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

This weekend the team saw the end of the regular season by celebrating Senior Night during our last scheduled home match. It was great having a lot of friends and family to support us along with the many cookies, brownies and cupcakes that filled the locker room supplied by Mrs. Seifert and Mrs. Comfort. 

We started off strong in the match jumping out to a lead but Saint Francis responded well and evened out the score. The rest of the match went the same way with Saint Francis keeping it fairly close, but we pulled out the win by taking three straight sets. All of the seniors got into the match and were recognized for their commitment and leadership over our volleyball careers. It was a lot of fun getting to play with Tor and Wolfy as well as Eddy towards the end of the third set because it hasn't happened all that much over our four years.

On Sunday afternoon the annual senior luncheon was held at the Nittany Lion Inn. The brunch spread was incredible, complete with an omelet bar. Harry Kauffman put together a great program where each of us seniors had a chance to speak to our teammates, coaches, and families as a group. It was a little nerve wracking at first but once the microphone was in my hand, figuratively, it turned out to be a lot of fun. Overall the weekend was a great success and I will always remember the memories and experiences I have shared with Tor, Ryan and Edgardo. This week we look to continue to work hard in practice and prepare ourselves for the EIVA tournament on Thursday.

Joe Sunder

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Friday was a special day for the future of Penn State Hockey.

A crowd of more than 300 gathered in Happy Valley to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Pegula Ice Arena.  Construction of the 6,000-seat home of the Penn State men's and women's ice hockey teams is well underway with the foundation being laid near the corner of University Drive and Curtin Road.

GoPSUsports.com talked with several key participants in the groundbreaking ceremony, including donor Terry Pegula, acting athletic director Dave Joyner, associate athletic director for ice arena and hockey development Joe Battista, and head hockey coaches Josh Brandwene (women) and Guy Gadowsky (men).

By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The pouring rain and physical Delaware attack couldn't slow down a dominant team performance by the Penn State men's lacrosse squad on Saturday night.

The conference foes didn't waste any time, each scoring a goal within the first four minutes of the opening period.

With four first-half lead changes, the contest started as an evenly matched battle, but the Nittany Lion took control after the break.  The team exploded out of the locker room after halftime and scored four-third quarter goals on their way to a 13-9 win.

"We made a few adjustments at halftime but overall we stuck to our game plan," said senior captain Matthew Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.). "This win is exactly what we needed as a team and we came out and did it tonight."

Mackrides registered his 23rd, 24th,and 25th goals of the season on Saturday night, making it the ninth multi-goal game of the season for the senior.

The captain was one of five Nittany Lions finding the back of the net against the Blue Hens, and four of those five put up multi-goal performances.

"We knew we needed to come out hot in the second half," said sophomore attack Tom LaCrosse (Canandaigua, N.Y.). "It didn't matter who or what it was, but we needed a spark."

LaCrosse may have been that spark for the Nittany Lions himself, scoring three second-half goals--including a score just 55 seconds into the third quarter.

"It really was a team effort tonight," said LaCrosse. "If Danny Henneghan didn't get hot we never would have had the possession time that we did."

Henneghan (Beverly Hills, Mich.) was instrumental in Penn State's third quarter push. The junior won five of seven faceoffs in the period, contributing to the Nittany Lions dominant second half possession time.  

Another spark for the Lions was sophomore attack Shane Sturgis (Downingtown, Pa.) who tallied four goals and two assists during the rainy contest.

Sturgis attributed his dominant offensive performance to his teammates and their ability to move without the ball.

As Penn State started to pull away in the second half, the game took a physical turn. Delaware was called for two unnecessary roughness penalties in the final minutes, but the Nittany Lions kept cool heads.

"Credit our seniors--they have done a great job of setting the tone of our team," said head coach Jeff Tambroni. "We remain who we are here at Penn State. We preach to our players to play with emotion but not to let their emotions get the best of them."

The sound of the horn at the end of the fourth quarter meant more than just a win to the Nittany Lions. In their first year playing at the new Penn State Lacrosse Field, the team clinched a No. 2 seed in the CAA Tournament, earning the right to host a playoff game.

"Clinching the No. 2 seed is huge," said sophomore goaltender Austin Kaut. "The CAA is such a competitive league and having our first playoff game be at home is a big deal for us."

The team hosted a CAA Tournament game last season, but lost in overtime to Massachusetts.

"It takes a lot of stress of our backs just to have two more home games," said LaCrosse. "It will be a good way to get settled in to the playoff mindset having a home tournament game."

Before the team can gear its mindset towards hosting a CAA Tournament game, they must get through Hofstra first.

"We need to win as many games as we can and start thinking about the big picture...and that starts with Hofstra," said Tambroni. "In no way shape or form are we looking too far ahead but it is important for us to keep up the momentum and get another win."

Penn State will host Hofstra next Saturday for the final game of their regular season. Faceoff is set for noon at the Penn State Lacrosse Field.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head into the locker room following the Blue-White Game for reaction from several Nittany Lions.  Hear from cornerback Stephon Morris, quarterback Matt McGloin, wide receiver Justin Brown, center Matt Stankiewitch and defensive tackle Jordan Hill.

Blue-White Weekend Photo Blog

Exclusive Locker Room Player Interviews

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The new Blue-White game scoring system added a new dimension to the culmination of spring practice, as the Blue (defense) outlasted the White (offense), 77-65, before 60,000 fans on a high-scoring Saturday afternoon in Beaver Stadium.

Back-to-back sacks (each worth four points) from redshirt sophomore defensive end C.J. Olaniyan mid-way through the second quarter put the Blue team on top by a score of 40-35, and the defense never looked back.

The defensive unit tallied eight sacks, including three from Olaniyan, 13 tackles for a loss (each worth two points) and five interceptions (each worth six points).  Linebacker Glenn Carson paced the winning Blue squad with eight tackles and 1.5 TFL.

On the offensive side of the ball, the White squad tallied 417 yards of offense, four touchdowns and one field goal en route to a total of 65 points in the feature scoring system.  Sophomore Bill Belton, who moved to running back prior to spring practice, finished with a team-high 50 yards rushing on seven carries and a touchdown.  Redshirt sophomore Zach Zwinak also scored a rushing touchdown.

At the quarterback spot, senior Matt McGloin, junior Rob Bolden and sophomore Paul Jones took the bulk of the reps under center.  McGloin tallied a 6-for-13 afternoon with 105 yards and a touchdown.  Jones went 6-for-15 for 113 yards and a score.  Bolden finished 7-for-14 for 78 yards.  Walk-on Shane McGregor led the offense on its first touchdown drive.  He finished 4-for-4 on the afternoon for 47 yards.

Sophomore Allen Robinson led the receivers with three catches for 87 yards, including three big plays over 20 yards.  Redshirt junior Shawney Kersey hauled in three catches for 54 yards.  Redshirt junior Christian Kuntz tallied a receiving touchdown, as did redshirt junior tight end Matt Lehman.

"It was a great day to get into the stadium and get in a game operation," Coach O'Brien said.  "There's some things that you can really learn from that.  You can meet as a staff, which we'll do before these guys head out on the road recruiting, and talk about a lot of the glitches, because obviously it wasn't perfect, and we can really learn from it."

Coach O'Brien said after the game that the offense showed roughly 10 percent of the playbook on Saturday afternoon.

The defense will have bragging rights heading into the summer, but the bigger picture on Saturday afternoon was the collective progress Penn State made from the start of spring practice on March 26 to Saturday's Blue-White Game.

Coach O'Brien's message to the team after the game highlighted the foundation the team laid leading up to the summer season.  As we have written throughout the spring, the learning curve was steep for the players on both sides of the ball.

Most of the players GoPSUsports.com talked to after the game likened the new playbook and schemes to learning a new foreign language.  But man-for-man and unit-by-unit across the board, each player and coach made progress during the spring practice season.

The difference between practice one and practice 15 was night and day, in terms of personnel lined up in the right spots, execution and playing at the tempo at which Coach O'Brien wants to play at.

The foundation is in place for the start of training camp.  Coach O'Brien would be the first to tell you that there is a long way to go between now and the Sept. 1 season-opener against Ohio, but the Nittany Lions will move into the summer season following a good spring.

The Blue team topped the White squad on Saturday, and the work for Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions is just beginning, but there is a great deal of excitement surrounding the Nittany Lion football program as the calendar inches toward the 2012 season.

"I felt it was pretty good, and I think it was exciting for the fans at times," Coach O'Brien said.  "I'm not saying it was the most exciting game in the world, but I said it wasn't going to be the most exciting game in the world.  But again, it was great to see all the fans out there, and I think it was a good day for Penn State football."

Penn State fans got a taste of the new-look Nittany Lions on Saturday.  The countdown to the season-opener is 133 days.


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Take a look through some of the key events surrounding Blue-White Weekend and the intra-squad game itself on the Blue-White Photo Blog.

Stay tuned for updates throughout Blue-White gameday.

Saturday Game Action

The Nittany Lions warming up prior to kick.

Coach O'Brien taking the field for the first time at a game in Beaver Stadium.

Coach O'Brien on the field.

Matt McGloin under center for the White team.

The White team in the huddle.

Taking the snap.

Linebacker U - Gerald Hodges, Glenn Carson and Mike Hull.

Defensive tackle Jordan Hill celebrating an INT.

Shane McGregor under center for the White team.

Great crowd at the Blue-White Game.

Coach O'Brien talking to the offense before a snap.

Defensive end Deion Barnes.

Paul Jones under center for the White team.

C.J. Olaniyan celebrating a sack for the Blue team.

Saturday Pregame

Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lion seniors at the Nittany Lion Club breakfast.

Senior Jordan Hill addressing a crowd of 1,300 at the Nittany Lion Club breakfast.

The sod tarped at Beaver Stadium before the game.

The Nittany Lions enter the stadium.

Huge crowd for the autograph session.

Michael Zordich sharing a laugh with the fans.

Justin Brown signing a few autographs.

Gerald Hodges signing autographs.

Garry Gilliam signing autographs.

Rob Bolden signing autographs.

Pete Massaro.

Stephen Obeng-Agyapong.

Friday

Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions in Beaver Stadium for a walk through.

Coach O'Brien made his first trip to Beaver Stadium with the team on Friday.

A sunny day for spring practice 14 at Beaver Stadium.

Coach O'Brien looking on at Beaver Stadium.

Coach O'Brien giving the offense instruction during 7-on-7.

Coach O'Brien on the sidelines with the Nittany Lions.

Beaver Stadium.

Great crowd at the Blue-White Weekend carnival.

Coach O'Brien speaking on stage at the Blue-White Weekend carnival.

Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

Blue-White Weekend Central

Blue-White Weekend Photo Blog

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach Bill O'Brien and the Nittany Lion football squad will wrap up spring drills on Saturday afternoon (2 p.m.) at the annual Blue-White Game inside Beaver Stadium, marking the first time the new leader of Penn State football will be coaching in the stadium.

Penn State has spent the spring practice season learning new schemes on both sides of the ball, but it has been a spring marked by very good progress for the Nittany Lions.  The coaching staff will have one final opportunity to evaluate the team on Saturday before the start of training camp in August.

The 2012 Blue-White Game will have a different look than in year's past with an intriguing scoring system that rewards a variety of plays on both sides of the ball. 

It is a big day for Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions. 

Welcome to Blue-White Gameday.


What to Watch For:

New Scoring System
Fans will see a new way to determine a winner at the Blue-White Game.  As has been the case throughout spring practice, the defense will wear blue jerseys, the offense will wear white and the quarterbacks will be in red.  Red jerseys designate no contact during the game.

While standard scoring for touchdowns, field goals and PATs will remain the same, each unit will accumulate points for certain things.  Here is a breakdown of the scoring.

Offense
Touchdown = 6 pts
Field Goal = 3 pts
Big play (15+ yard play) = 2 pts
Two Consecutive First Downs = 2 pts
PAT = 1 pt

Defense
Touchdown = 7 pts
Turnover (Unless TD) = 6 pts
Sack = 4 pts
Three-and-Out = 1 pt
Tackle for loss = 2 pts


New Look Offense
Penn State fans will get their first look at Coach O'Brien's offensive scheme at the Blue-White Game.  While the Nittany Lions will not show everything they will be doing in the fall, the fans will get a taste of the style and pace at which Penn State will look to play at in 2012.  At the center of the offense is the quarterback position.  Senior Matt McGloin, junior Rob Bolden and sophomore Paul Jones have split the reps throughout the spring.  All three players will see plenty of time on the White team on Saturday.  Collectively, the quarterbacks have improved throughout spring practice.

Coach O'Brien will be calling all of the offensive plays.  When the play is called, expect to see the quarterbacks make several reads at the line of scrimmage, often signaling new routes to the wide receivers, tight ends and running backs.  Among the many features on the offense will be the tight ends.  The tight end corps of Garry Gilliam, Kyle Carter, Kevin Haplea, Jesse James, among others, will play a big role in what Coach O'Brien will do on the offensive side of the ball.  The White team will spread the ball around to a variety of players lined up in a variety of places.

Tempo
The theme throughout spring practice has been tempo for the Nittany Lion offense.  Coach O'Brien wants the offense to play fast.  Penn State has moved from drill-to-drill on the practice field at a very swift pace.  The same has been true for scrimmaging, which has often featured two huddles.  Look for the quarterbacks to keep things moving at a quick tempo on Saturday, which will certainly challenge the defense.  Penn State has worked on no-huddle offense at times during spring practice.  Keep an eye out for that, as well.


Aggressive Defense

Defensive coordinator Ted Roof wants to play aggressive on defense.  Spring practice has featured blitzing from a wide variety of places on defense.  The players love the aggressive approach to the new defensive scheme.  Additionally, the Nittany Lions will show multiple looks pre-snap before moving into the defensive call for each play.  The Blue team will be looking to get into the backfield often on Saturday.  Sacks and tackles for a loss will be rewarded for four points and two points, respectively.  Aggressive play on defense often leads to turnover opportunities, as well.  On Saturday, fumbles and interceptions will be six points for the defense.  Keep that in mind.


Numbers to Watch For
Below is a list of players who are either new to significant playing time or veterans who have really stood out during the spring practice season.

#6 Gerald Hodges - He is no stranger to the field, but Gerald Hodges has put together as good of a spring practice season that you will see from a linebacker.

#8 Allen Robinson - The sophomore wide receiver has been a playmaker for the Nittany Lion offense throughout the spring.  Robinson did play in 2011, but the Michigan native is poised to have a big fall.

#18 Deion Barnes - The long, athletic pass rusher possesses a great blend of size and speed.  Barnes has the tools to spend a lot of time in the backfield this fall, along with fellow ends Pete Massaro and Sean Stanley, among others.

#47 Jordan Hill - Like Gerald Hodges, Jordan Hill is a veteran defensive player who has played at a very high level during the spring.  Hill is in great physical shape, and he is primed for a big season.

#58 Adam Gress - The redshirt junior has been heralded by his teammates and coaches for the progress he has made at the left tackle position this spring.

#87 Kyle Carter - The entire stable of tight ends have done a good job progressing this spring, but keep an eye on the redshirt freshman from Delaware.  He has great size and hands.


It has been competitive all spring long between the offense and the defense.  Saturday's game will truly pit the two units against one another, and it will be very fun to watch.  The scoring system will make things very interesting to track and follow.

Make sure to get into the stadium at noon on Saturday for an opportunity to say hello to the players and obtain autographs of your favorite Nittany Lions.  The game will start at 2 p.m.  The carnival and entertainment stage will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, as well.


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Nittany Lions' starting lineup features five freshmen that have truly made an impact on the success of the women's lacrosse program this season. Even though they are just freshmen, Tatum Coffey, Haley Ford, Cat Layne, Kelly Lechner and Maggie McCormick sure don't play like it on the lacrosse field. These Nittany Lions bring versatility, talent, speed and composure to every practice and game.

"Our freshmen have made a great push for our team," said Missy Doherty. "In the midfield with Tatum Coffey, Kelly Lechner and Haley Ford, defensively Cat Layne has been in and out of the line up and in the attacking end we have Maggie McCormick."

Coffey, a New Jersey native, leads the team in goals scored (29) and draw controls (45). Coffey also has an impressive (22) number of ground balls (22) and caused turnovers (15) on the season. In the Nittany Lion's victories over Hofstra and Vanderbilt Coffey registered 11 of her career goals earning her ALC Offensive Player of the week, Women'sLax.com Rookie of the Week, Nike Player of the Week and SynapseSports.com National Offensive Player of the Week.

Ford has also made a tremendous impact since her debut. After registering a hat trick against Northwestern, this White Hall, Md. native earned herself a starting position in both the Lehigh and Ohio State games. Ford registered a goal against Lehigh and a career-high four goals against Ohio State.

Layne, a defender from Downingtown, Pa., has started in eight games this season. Layne a talented 1v1 defender has been crucial in the Nittany Lion's success defensively this season.

Lechner has been a phenomenal all around player for the Nittany Lions. Lechner is a key presence in both the attacking and defensive ends of the field and brings a great deal of speed. In 13 games, she has scored 16 goals, registered four assists, controlled 20 ground balls and 15 draw controls.

McCormick, an Eldersburg, Md., native, earned ALC Rookie of the Week and Womenslax.com Rookie of the week for the second time this season after her stellar performances against Lehigh and Ohio State. McCormick who is second on the team in total points (42) is the quarterback to Penn State's offense. McCormick, with a team high (23) assists, ranks second nationally among freshmen in this leader category.

Together the five rookies have combined for a total of 73 goals, 30 assists, 70 draw controls and 58 ground balls. Head coach Missy Doherty is looking forward to their continued success this season and the direction in which they are going to take the program.

Follow these five freshmen and the rest of the Penn State women's lacrosse team as they close out their regular season with Johns Hopkins this Saturday and Princeton on April 28.

Greetings Penn State Nation!

This past weekend wasn't one of our best with two losses to BYU. Despite coming off strong in the first game on Friday night the Cougars found a way back in it and finished us off in 4 and then defeated us in 3 the next night. Thankfully, since BYU isn't in our conference, those losses won't have any effect on our standings in the EIVA; so we are still all set to host the championship here on home court at the end of April and have all of our fans (mostly our parents..) cheering for us to win yet another EIVA championship.

This week of practice has been short yet effective as all of us are getting excited for our final push through the playoffs. We will be preparing ourselves for our last regular season match against St. Francis in which we will be honoring our seniors for all the hard work they have put into our program over the years.  Unfortunately Main Gym was taken today so our team and the girl's team had to practice at the same time in South Gym, practicing at the same time as the girls in South Gym could be considered a form of torture due the headaches caused from the girls' constant screaming. Seriously, we can't even hear ourselves think.

In other news we finally caught that mouse in our locker room that has been torturing Ian and eating all the food he leaves in his locker for the past couple weeks. And by mouse, I mean mice, all ten of them. Hopefully now we can finally live in peace knowing that Ian is no longer being outsmarted by a rodent.

You stay classy Penn State,

Kyle Gregan #16

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Legendary Penn State broadcaster Steve Jones has seen a lot of top level play and teams in his days announcing Penn State sports, and now he will have a top level facility named in his honor.

Penn State announced on Thursday the opening of the Steve Jones Student Sports Broadcasting Complex in Rec Hall.  This facility is one of a kind in the world of college athletics, and will be envied and emulated for years to come.

"The complex is ready to deliver HD, broadcast quality programing directly to the Big Ten Network live," said Penn State acting Athletic Director Dave Joyner.  "Currently this is the only facility of its kind not only in the Big Ten, but in all of higher education."

The facility in Rec Hall, which has features similar to a broadcasting truck that a company like BTN or ESPN may bring to an event, will be able to work with events at Rec Hall, Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center, and (when completed) the Pegula Ice Arena. 

The project came together through years of collaboration between Penn State and the Big Ten Network, also the first of its kind. 

From the Network's perspective this is only a positive going forward. 

"You can't get a job in television without practical experience," said the Big Ten Network's Vice President, Production and Executive Producer Mark Hulsey.  "This room, this facility, gives students that practical experience." 

The facilities and training will not only be a huge help and benefit to production groups working events at Penn State, it will also benefit the future students on campus. 

Using the room for everything from classes to guest speakers and more practical experiences will all be benefits that students at other universities just won't have. 

"When I first learned about the complex I thought about how it would revolutionize the future for Penn State broadcast students like myself," said Penn State senior (and former student of Steve Jones) Alexis Morgan.

Morgan went on to add how one of the biggest things she remembered from having Jones as a professor was how he always emphasized practice, and how important it was to being successful in the field of broadcasting.

With a facility named in his honor, Jones will have the perfect place to help give students that practice, a place right on our own campus. 

For Jones, as great an honor this recognition is, for him it isn't about him, but about those students like Morgan. 

"This day is not about me at all, this day is about Rick and Sue Berry (who donated the money for the facility) and the Penn State students," Jones said. 

With the facility that is now named in his honor, Jones will be able to continue to spread his knowledge and experience to not only students like Morgan, but students for many years to come. 

This facility, like Jones, is one of a kind, and it takes a special place like Penn State to bring them both together. 

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lions practiced for the 13th time during the spring season in full pads on Wednesday afternoon.

One more session remains before the team competes in front of the Penn State faithful on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium for the annual Blue-White Game.  It has been a spring marked by collective progress on both sides of the ball.

GoPSUsports.com caught up redshirt junior guard John Urschel and junior linebacker Glenn Carson after practice on Wednesday to talk about the spring practices and the excitement leading up to Saturday's Blue-White Game.

By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Sharaya Musser hopes the third time is the charm. After competing at nationals as an individual for each of the past two seasons, the junior gymnast heads to Duluth, Ga., to compete this weekend in the NCAA National Championships for a third time in her career.

After qualifying for the championships during regional finals with a score of 39.450, Musser looks to continue finding success on the big stage.

"Being at nationals two times already as an individual, I will definitely know how to prepare myself and what to expect," said Musser. "Going into practice with that mentality is nice. But because I don't have a team there it's a lot different. I have a different mindset competing individually."

During the regular season, Musser performed exceptionally, winning 10 of the 12 all-around titles and being recognized as the 2012 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year. To say she will not be a threat would be a mistake. Musser has a strong focus in the gym every day and she is determined now more than ever, to place within the top three in Georgia.

"As a freshman I was just going with it," said Musser. "I didn't know what to expect. I think the difference between then and now is the confidence that I have in myself and really believing that I can accomplish the goal that I have set. This year, my goal is to make it in the top three in all-around and just to enjoy it."

Musser is already off to a good start, as she will be rotating with the No. 1 team in the country, the Florida Gators. Although her own team will not be there cheering her on, Musser and head coach Jeff Thompson are confident in the support she will receive from the Florida gymnasts.

"We feel like she has a great draw," said Coach Thompson. "She's with the number one team in the nation. The caliber of gymnastics that she'll follow is as good as or better than what she does. The fact that she's following a really good team means that if they have a really good day and she has an excellent day, then the chances are better for her making the finals on certain events."

Competing in four events, Musser has plenty to work for. It is the vault, however, that she and Coach Thompson are practicing with most. With an average score of 9.887 during the season, vault has been Musser's best and most consistent event. And it is vault that is one of Florida's best events as well.

With this in mind, the game plan going into nationals is simple: practice the little details. Musser and Coach Thompson have the process figured out, learning from past mistakes and conferring with one another on strategy.

"Last year we tried to add some difficulty, but it backfired a little bit," said Coach Thompson. "Although she was able to hit them 9 out of 10 times in the gym, under the pressure of competition the national championship stage probably wasn't the best time to try that. Knowing that, the only thing we're working to do is work on vault. She's an outstanding vaulter and there's a good chance she'll qualify for vault event titles."

Musser will begin her rotation at nationals this Friday starting at vault and ending with the floor event. If she places in the top four in any of the events, she will then go on to compete Sunday in the individual-event competition.

Coach Thompson is confident Penn State will be well represented. Working with Musser over the past two years, he knows she has all of the attributes necessary to succeed in the sport.

"The thing that sets her apart from other gymnasts is that I've never seen her have a bad day," said Coach Thompson. "Even when she's struggling in the gym, she still finds a way to laugh about it or to find the silver lining. We expect her to do extremely well."

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Relive the 2012 NCAA Championship season for the Nittany Lion wrestling team on this highlight video.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State (16-20, 4-5 Big Ten) defeated Bucknell (19-20), 2-0, on Wednesday night behind an exceptional pitching performance by senior midweek starter Mike Franklin.

Franklin had his strongest outing of the season, pitching a complete game shutout of the Bison with 10 strikeouts and allowing just four hits.  He was able to keep the opposing hitters guessing through all nine innings with good command of his fastball and an effective changeup.

"I was locating my fastball well as well as throwing my changeup effectively," said Franklin.  "I think the combination of the two really kept the hitters off balance."

"He really worked ahead," said pitching coach Jason Bell on his starter's performance.  "He threw strikes early and then he got them to chase."

Franklin's sole challenge came in the seventh inning, when Bucknell's Rob Krentzman reached first on a bunt and advanced to second on a single by Gerry Runyan.  With one out, runners on first and second, Franklin zeroed in and struck out the next two batters he faced, ending the threat.

"Even with guys on base I try to buckle down and really just hit my spots," said Franklin.   "As a pitcher that's all I can really do."

"He (Franklin) didn't get rattled and just went back to commanding the zone and getting ahead," said Bell.

Offensively, the Nittany Lions were hitting the ball hard all game, but were unable to come up with timely hits until the bottom of the seventh.  Feeding off Franklin's dominance on the mound, freshman catcher J.C. Coban singled to start the inning and reached second on an errant pickoff throw by the pitcher.  With two outs, sophomore outfielder Steve Snyder drove the ball to left field, scoring Coban and giving Penn State a 1-0 lead.

"I was just trying to get a hit, put us on the board," said Snyder.  "It was getting late in the game and we were kind of getting antsy, so just wanted to get a hit and get us in the book."

The Nittany Lions added a run in the eighth after senior first baseman Jordan Steranka led off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch.  The two run lead was all Penn State needed as Franklin shut down the Bison hitters to end the game.

Penn State heads to Iowa this weekend for a crucial conference series against the Hawkeyes.

Head coach Robbie Wine is changing the starting rotation with sophomore Joe Kurrasch pitching Friday, junior Steven Hill pitching Saturday, and junior John Walter on the mound for Sunday's series finale.  The Nittany Lions have struggled on the road all season, but the players know that confidence is the key to success.

"I think we're all confident right now, so we're just going to carry that confidence over to Iowa," said Snyder.  "Whether we're home or away I think if we're confident we're going to play well and that's what we need."

Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Former Penn State great Ki-Jana Carter stood alongside the practice field closest to the Lasch Football Building on Monday afternoon talking with ESPN analysts Jesse Palmer and Joe Schad while Silas Redd moved through positional drills.

At the time, Redd was working on footwork with running backs coach Charles London and the rest of the backs on an unseasonably warm April afternoon.  Looking on, Palmer and Schad asked the 1994 Heisman Trophy runner-up what he thought of Redd.

"He is really, really good," Carter said.  "With his speed and quickness, he is great player."

Carter, who will work as an analyst for the BTN during Saturday's Blue-White Game, went on to compare Redd to some of the all-time great backs in Penn State football history.

It's hard to argue with Carter.  Redd, who is coming off a 1,200-yard season in 2011, looks to be well on his way to an even better 2012 campaign.  The Norwalk, Conn., native has been very impressive throughout the spring practice season.

Watching Redd during his first two seasons, you wouldn't think he could get much lighter on his feet, but the junior looks a step quicker this spring.  Weighing shy of 210 pounds, Redd is currently at the playing weight he is most comfortable with.

Heading into his third full season, Redd is now a veteran and a leader for the Nittany Lion offense.

"During the winter workouts, I was a little more vocal," said Redd.  "I tried to lead by example, not cheating any reps.  It is the same out here on the field.  I try to give it my all in the individual drills, when we do team work, I try to give it my all on every rep."

Redd played very well in the team's intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday.  Like the rest of the Nittany Lion offense, he has put in a great deal of time learning the new playbook.

"After I am done with my schoolwork, you have to put your head in the playbook or you aren't going to be successful out here," said Redd.

Always eager to face a challenge, Redd has enjoyed learning the new Penn State offense.

"It has been like another class for us," Redd said.  "If you are buying into it, it almost becomes fun for you."

Coach O'Brien has repeatedly said that the offense will throw the ball to the running backs.  With Redd's speed and elusiveness in the open field, the potential of more balls thrown his way in space is something Redd is really looking forward to in the fall.  He watched the Patriots do it in the NFL Playoffs, and now he is going to see it firsthand.

"What I really liked a lot (watching the Patriots) was the offense's ability to play to each player's strengths," said Redd.

Redd's talent level and work ethic have not gone unnoticed by Coach O'Brien this spring.  Coach O'Brien has often stated how impressed he is with the way Redd conducts himself on and off the field.  The two have talked about what Redd needs to work on as he pursues a career on Sundays when his time at Penn State is done.

"Coach says that most rookie running backs don't know how to block," said Redd.  "God willing, if I get the chance to go to the next level, that is something I really want to be good at."

In all, the Big Ten returns nine of its top 10 rushers from 2011.  Redd was the Big Ten's fourth-leading rusher in fall, but he is working towards more.

"I think our effort is second to none," Redd said.  "Sometimes you have to focus more on the little things, but that will come.  It is still pretty new for us.  We are buckling down and working to be successful because that is what we want to do."

Judging by the way he looks this spring, Redd is primed to take things to the next level in 2012.


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

            Hello Penn State Volleyball Fans! We hope you're having a great week and enjoying this awesome spring weather. We are when we're not in the gym!  It was great to see some of you this past weekend at our Spring Scrimmages. It was great to be competing in main gym again in front of some of our fan faithful.  If you weren't able to make it, that's okay! I'll fill you in on everything that happened.

            We had some new team colors in the gym with the arrival of Bucknell, Syracuse, Kent State, and George Mason. To cap it off we split our team into two squads to battle it out against the other schools. With each team we played two games to 25 points, and if time allowed we squeezed in a quick third game. It was fun to be competing against other teams in our home gym. There is nothing like playing in Rec Hall in front of our student section, families, and faithful crowd. All that was missing was the band! I'm really looking forward to being back in there Friday and Saturday nights in the fall with all of you. There was one thing that was a little different about the look of these matches, though: the up-referee. A few times Coach Rose took over the whistle. Coach seemed to be having a good time, and it put him in a prime spot to see the action and give feedback. Overall, it was a great day to be in the gym. If you missed out on the action there is still one more opportunity to see us play this spring. We will be playing in main gym, once again, this coming Saturday for a Blue/White scrimmage. The match is set before the Men's Volleyball match. Be sure to stick around after and show your support for Penn State Athletics. Hope to see you all there!

Katie Slay

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Lady Lions coach Coquese Washington doesn't normally make opening statements at press conferences, but after the news she relayed in one on Monday Nittany Lions fans may be wishing she did it more often. 

Washington announced this afternoon that she will be staying in Happy Valley, ending speculation that she could be moving on to University of Michigan after interviewing for the head coaching position there this past week.

"I love it here at Penn State, I really do," Washington said in her opening statement.  "I really love being at Penn State. I love what my life is like here. I love what my family's life is like here. This is a tremendous community to raise a family in."

That community has seen Washington grow the Lady Lions program into a national contender, including a Sweet 16 berth this past season, ending the year ranked in the top 10 in the country. 

Washington has led the program to back-to-back NCAA tournament berths and a 92-67 career record.

Keeping things together and improving in State College is not only great news for Lady Lions fans, but for her players as well. 

The team, all of whom were recruited by Washington, has built a special bond in this program on the rise.

"The decision to stay here at Penn State, for me, was really a simple one when I look in the back of that room and I see those player's faces," Washington said.  "They are fantastic, tremendous young women and representatives of this university."

That group, which will only be losing one player off this past season's squad, has been a group that has put the hard work in over their time in Happy Valley, and they are ready to keep climbing up the national radar.

"She considers us her family and we consider her our family," said Lady Lion guard Maggie Lucas on Washington.  "We've got a lot of hard work ahead of us but we're ready to meet it head on and just improve and take this program to the next level."

A plan to get to the next level is something that Washington laid out to these players during their recruiting process over the years, and something she wants to see through.

"I look at those young ladies in the back of the room and they came here to put this program on an elite level. That was their focus," said Washington on that process. "That's why I came here. I believed that we could do that. Together, we're going to work to finish it out. Together, we're going to do that."

That is something that the players echoed, and something they clearly believe.

"She showed us a layout during our recruiting of how this program would look and she's right on schedule with everything she said," Lucas said.  "We trust her."

"She has trust in us, she has faith in us, it really builds our confidence (that she wants to stay and see this process through)," added guard Alex Bentley.  "Coquese is the powerhouse that runs the women's basketball team."

Luckily for Penn State Lady Lions fans it doesn't look like that powerhouse is going anywhere anytime soon.

By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Kasie Hatfield stood at the plate, her bat ready. With the bases loaded and Penn State leading 4-1, she knew a hit could give her team a much-needed cushion.

Indiana's Lora Olson released the pitch, ball one. Olson threw another one.

Grand slam.

One hit was all it took for the sophomore to score the first grand slam of her career, extending Penn State's lead 8-1.

"I just wanted to get a base hit and score some runs," said Hatfield. "Anything to help [Marissa Diescher] out and give the defense a little bit to relax about. I just wanted to hit. I don't think it hit me that it was a grand slam until later."

With the help of Hatfield's grand slam and five RBIs, the Penn State softball team ended a three game series against Indiana on Sunday winning 9-4. After splitting a doubleheader on Saturday, the Nittany Lions immediately established their lead with a home run in the first by junior Cassidy Bell, her sixth of the season.

This was only the beginning for Penn State, who collected seven additional runs in the second. Senior Danee Collett started the streak bringing in three runners and extending the lead 4-1. Head coach Robin Petrini attributed this hit to be a major factor in the game.

"One person opens the door and it takes the pressure off of everybody else," said Coach Petrini. "Everybody else can relax. You drive the ball to the alley and you get multiple people scoring on it. Kasey's just seeing the ball really well. She crushed it. After cracking the bat there was just no hesitation that the ball was going out."

Following Collett's success, Hatfield dealt another blow to the Hoosiers with a grand slam, closing out the second with a Penn State score of 8-1. With this lead, Penn State settled down the rest of the game, holding on to their lead with relative ease.

"Everyone was just relaxed because we had confidence that our defense could make plays," said Hatfield. "Having that cushion especially for [Marissa Diescher] is a big thing. We had such a big lead that we could allow a few runs here and there. We knew we split the runs the first time so we could score them again."

Indiana made an attempt at a comeback, scoring a run in the fifth and two runs in the sixth, but freshman pitcher Marissa Diescher kept calm with reassurance from her catcher, Hatfield.

"I had a lead so it wasn't bad," said Diescher. "Once I had the runs come in, I just had to settle down and get back to just getting ground balls and taking outs one at a time. That's exactly what Kasie said to me. 'Just keep pitching, you're doing great'."

With Diescher and her team able to hold off the Hoosiers another inning, Hatfield came up with another hit to score junior Kailyn Johnson and increase the lead 9-4. The win was well within the grasp of the Nittany Lions with only one inning left in the game. Indiana had nothing left for Penn State, however, as Diescher ended a complete game, allowing only one hit in the seventh.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The ESPN/DirecTV College Football bus pulled into the parking lot of the Lasch Football Building on Monday to check in with the Nittany Lions during spring practice.

ESPN analysts Jesse Palmer and Joe Schad met with head coach Bill O'Brien in his office before the leader of Penn State football conducted a live interview on the bus for SportsCenter.  Nittany Lion junior running back Silas Redd also interviewed on the bus before a one-on-one with Schad.  Look for Redd's interview with Schad on College Football Live this week.

Take a behind the scenes look at the ESPN interviews on Monday.

Penn State will practice for the 11th on Monday afternoon.

Greetings from Happy Valley. This past weekend we faced two EIVA opponents in the Pioneers of Sacred Heart, and the Crimson of Harvard. Friday night brought us the Pioneers, from watching video and what we focused on in practice we knew we couldn't take them lightly even though we had beaten them in three games back in February. The match started out with a couple big points and a huge block by Jace Olsen and Aaron Russell; we had practiced a lot of blocking in practice during the week and with Sacred Heart's slower offense we were confident we could win the blocking battle. Sacred heart never gave up though and had a few players that could put some heat behind the ball, it may have been a three game sweep but each game was hard fought. In the end though we won the battle on the net, played hard, and came away victorious. Saturday night we had Harvard in Main gym with the chance to clinch home court advantage for the EIVA tournament, expectations were high, and we were looking forward to the challenge. The first set started off with our side gaining an early 13-7 lead, only to see Harvard storm back to win the set 25-20. The second set had Harvard winning 25-21; we hadn't been down 0-2 to an EIVA opponent all year and went into the locker room knowing we would have to go 5 sets if we wanted to clinch home court. After the halftime speech from Pav and the coaches we came out and showed our home crowd what we could do by easily beating the Crimson in the third, fourth, and fifth sets clinching home court advantage. It was a great ending to a stellar match. We never had a doubt in our minds we'd be in the position we are now and look forward to the rest of the season.  Thanks for stopping by and thanks for all your support, we'll see ya back in Rec April 21^st for our final EIVA match of the season.

I can't believe it has already been a week since our season ended as a team. The emotions I felt after coming up short once again at regionals were all too familiar. Even though it seemed like the grueling seven months of training never fully came together in the comminating part of the season, we learned a lot for next year.

I couldn't believe regionals was the last meet I would compete with the seniors. I have been so close with all four of them since the first day I came to Penn State. My relationships with them beginning my freshman year helped to form who I am as a collegiate gymnast. I'm grateful to have been on a team with such passionate young women for three years, creating amazing friendships with them that will go far beyond our gymnastics careers. I congratulate them all on successful gymnastics careers but I don't have to wish them luck in the real world yet since they all will continue with their Penn State educations at least through the summer.

Now that season is over I am definitely concentrating on my school work and enjoying the free time I have for the next two weeks. It's hard to believe that my senior year is basically here. I am incredibly excited to lead a brand new team next year with eight new girls coming in. It may be a challenge at first but I think it will be a refreshing change. I hope everyone has an amazing summer!

Hello family, friends, and fans!

We are so happy you have been following us all year, and we hope you enjoyed "Bringing it Back" with us! We don't even know where to begin. It has been such a great journey, and we all learned so much. Although the team's season has come to an end, we will send Sharaya off to Nationals with all our love and support as she represents Penn State with pride, passion, and purpose.

We started out the season strong as a bonded group of sisters and continued to grow even closer as the season progressed. Each meet we came together as a team and continually made improvements. Even though it was cut short, we are proud of how we fought at each and every meet as we were reaching toward our goal. We are going to miss our senior class: Whitney, Daryl, Natalie, and Alex. They led us through the season and continually inspired each of us in their own way.

As a sophomore class, we took everything that we learned from last year and applied it to making this year even better. This year was much less stressful for all of us individually because we had already been through classes and practices and season once before! It made it a lot easier to have fun and it was definitely easier to enjoy the year. We all can't believe we are basically juniors now. We are half way done with our college careers! These past two years have flown by, and we are just trying to take everything in because we know the next two years will go by even faster.

For us, next year starts now and we couldn't be more excited! Good luck to Sharaya next weekend down in Duluth, Georgia!

 Enjoy your summer and look for us next year,

Kristin Blades, Kassidy Stauder, Lindsay Musgrove, and Stephanie Brock

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach Robbie Wine earned his 200th win at the helm of the Penn State baseball team on Sunday as the Nittany Lions (15-20, 4-5 Big Ten) defeated Michigan (16-21, 3-6 Big Ten) 6-4 and took two out of three games from the Wolverines over the weekend.  It was Penn State's first Big Ten series win of the season and marked a turning point for the team going forward.

"Every game is so important and in the end we've got to start somewhere and winning the series was important," said coach Wine.  "Good two wins here."

The Nittany Lions fell in game one, 7-3, despite outhitting Michigan 10-9.  Wolverine starter Brandon Sinnery pitched a complete game and prevented the Penn State offense from coming up with clutch hits when they needed them.

"We're hitting the ball," said senior first baseman Jordan Seranka.  "We're just not getting timely hits."

Steranka and senior third baseman Joey DeBernardis both had successful nights at the plate, going 2-3 and 3-4 respectively.  DeBernardis launched his fifth home run of the season and was instrumental throughout the weekend both offensively and defensively.  Junior John Walter went four innings, allowing two runs on three hits with five strikeouts.

With Penn State leading 2-1, Michigan put the game out of reach in the fifth, scoring four runs on three walks and just two hits.  Penn State would get one back in the bottom of the fifth, but the Wolverines responded with a run in the eighth and the ninth innings to end the game.

Penn State rebounded in game two with an offensive outburst, putting together 14 runs on 17 hits and routing the Wolverines 14-1.  The senior leaders at the top of the order, Steranka, DeBernardis and senior outfielder Sean Deegan, led the charge going a combined 10-14.  Steranka belted his fifth and sixth home runs of the season, tallying five RBIs on the day, and DeBernardis went 4-5, driving in three.  Coach Wine talked about the play of his seniors throughout the weekend.

"It's experience," said Wine of his seniors' crucial performance.  "Guys being there and trusting their abilities and not letting the anxiety of the scoreboard and the inning, whatever the situation is, get in their heads."

The Nittany Lions scored early and often, plating runs in six different innings and doing it in every way possible.  DeBernardis tripled in the first to start the scoring frenzy, bringing sophomore Steve Snyder home from first base.  Penn State then put up a five spot in the second behind an RBI bunt by junior Elliot Searer, an RBI single by DeBernardis and a three-run homerun by Steranka.  In the sixth, with the Nittany Lions leading 9-1, Steranka knocked his second homerun of the game.

"I'm feeling great," said Steranka.  "I know DeBo (DeBernardis) is swinging the bat really well, which helps me... It takes some pressure off me and I'm just seeing the ball really good right now."

The Nittany Lions proceeded to score four runs in the eighth for good measure.  Sophomore starter Joe Kurrasch had another strong outing, throwing for seven innings and allowing just one run on four hits with three strikeouts.

"He was fantastic," said freshman catcher J.C. Coban.  "He came out hungry; everyone on the team was hungry."

Penn State took the positive outcome from game two into game three and, behind a solid outing from junior starter Steven Hill, stole the series in a back and fourth battle to the finish.

Clutch hits were the story of the afternoon for the Nittany Lions who struck first in the second and later in the sixth, manufacturing a run with two outs in both innings.

In the seventh, with Penn State leading 2-0, Michigan finally got to Hill, scoring three runs on four hits.  They were the only runs allowed by Hill who went seven innings, giving up three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

The Nittany Lions responded in the bottom of the seventh when Deegan came to the plate and, with two outs and a 1-2 count, drove a fastball high in the zone over the right centerfield wall to give Penn State a 4-3 lead.

"I actually thought that he was going to come with a slider," said Deegan.  "I was like 'alright, just see the ball up' and then he just left a fastball right where I wanted it, up in the zone, so I just tried to hit it hard."

Snyder would score later in the inning after being hit by a pitch, stealing second, moving to third on an errant throw by the catcher and going home on a wild pitch.

After Michigan added a run in the eighth, Steranka crushed a solo homerun, his third of the weekend, to give Penn State a 6-4 lead heading into the ninth.  Greg Welsh took the mound for the Nittany Lions and when the leadoff hitter reached on an error, Welsh shut the door, dropping the next three batters in order. 

"It's big to send a statement this weekend against big rival Michigan," said Steranka on the series victory.  "Come out and the seniors step up and Steve pitched a great game today, pitching was great this weekend, so I thought it was a big statement weekend for Penn State baseball."

Steranka's three-homerun weekend moved him to sixth on Penn State's all-time homeruns list with 18 games left to play.  The crowd was also a huge factor as the fans broke last year's attendance total with nine home games remaining.  The Nittany Lions return to Medlar Field on Wednesday to face Bucknell at 6:05 p.m.

By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State softball ended on a high note Saturday evening, taking home a win after dropping its first game against Indiana, 12-6. The Nittany Lions gave a strong offensive showing during the second game of the day, as junior Lauren Yao and sophomore Kasie Hatfield led the team knocking in two runs each and contributing to a final score of 5-2. Penn State's hitting performance was the key to their success, with the team logging 10 hits during their second game, twice that of their first.

"I thought we were hitting the ball well in the first game, so we just kept it going and kept focusing in on hitting our pitches," said Yao.

During the first outing, the Hoosiers jumped to a 5-0 lead by the top of the third, but junior Cassidy Bell gave Penn State renewed energy hitting her fifth homerun of the season. With the score 5-1, Penn State began an offensive push, scoring four runs in the fifth, taking the lead 6-5. The Nittany Lions came up short, however, as the Hoosiers answered with seven runs to close out the game 12-6.

Sophomore Jordan Wheatley took the circle for the second game, pitching a complete game and helping bring Penn State to its 5-2 victory. The first score of the game went to Penn State after Wheatley drove home Yao and Hatfield giving the Nittany Lions a 2-0 lead. Using this offensive rhythm Penn State continued to push, but gave up two runs to the Hoosiers in the sixth. Yao would not give in, hitting her third double of the day starting a 3-0 run. Indiana tried to rally, but with the bases loaded and two outs, the Penn State defense held strong.

"I was worried," said Wheatley, "but I was staying as calm as I could. It was a little stressful but I had a great defense behind me."

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State baseball players and coaches knew how big Saturday's matchup with the Michigan Wolverines was following a tough Friday night loss, and they played like it. 

The Lions found their groove Saturday as the destroyed the Wolverines in a 14-1 rout, evening the three game series at one apiece. 

Penn State was led on the offensive side of the ball by huge hitting from Jordan Steranka and Joey DeBernardis to help set the pace.  Steranka brought the power with two homeruns on the afternoon, to go along with DeBernardis going 4-5 with three RBIs.

"They're our guys, and they're going to have days like this," said head coach Robbie Wine on his two sluggers.  "It's got to carry over, we can't rely on those two guys all the time, but it's expected from those guys."

The second inning is where Penn State was really able to do damage, scoring five runs to break open a 1-0 lead to 6-0.

That rally was led by DeBernardis and Steranka, as DeBernardis singled to score a run and Steranka came up right after and homered to bring in three more.

"I'm feeling great, I know DeBo (DeBernardis) is swinging the bat really well which helps me," said Steranka on his play.  "It takes some pressure off me and I'm just seeing the ball really good right now, hoping it continues."

Those two weren't the only two hitting as freshman JC Coban went 3-5 to help the bottom of the lineup keep the pressure on all game long. 

"It's huge to keep it up the whole game, keep the pressure on them," Steranka said. 

"It (keeping the pressure on) was very important, "Coban added.  "It showed we really had a lot of confidence, we didn't want to give up, we wanted to keep hitting."

On the pitching side starter Joe Kurrasch was strong for the Lions, going seven innings and only giving up four hits for the win. 

"He was fantastic," Coban said about Kurrasch, "He came out hungry; everyone on the team was hungry."

The team will be looking to keep that hunger and try and win the rubber match of the three game series tomorrow at home at 1:05 p.m. 

VIDEO: Coach O'Brien Addresses the Media - April 13

VIDEO: Player Interviews - April 13

FEATURE: Coach O'Brien, Nittany Lions Laying the Foundation for 2012


UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lions wrapped up spring practice number nine on Friday afternoon under sunny skies on the practice fields adjacent to Lasch Football Building.

Friday's session was conducted without pads as the Nittany Lions prep for their scrimmage on Saturday.  GoPSUsports.com caught up with junior safety Malcolm Willis and junior tight end Garry Gilliam after practice on Friday as they ready for the scrimmage.

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Despite getting 10 hits on offense, the Penn State baseball team was never able to truly get in a rhythm Friday night, falling 7-3 at home vs. the Michigan Wolverines.

Joey DeBernardis and Jordan Steranka were once again bright spots for the Nittany Lions offense as they were able to gain a 2-1 lead in the fourth off of a DeBernardis homer and Steranka triple.  But unfortunately for Lions fans the team was never able to capitalize more than that. 

Michigan bounced back to score four runs in the fifth and never look back for the win. 

Even with the tough loss, the team is looking to bounce back tomorrow in the second game of the three game series. 

"It's going to be big, we need those two wins (Saturday and Sunday) especially being down in the conference right now," said DeBernardis. "We just got to come back out tomorrow." 

"We're getting to a point now where we have to win, win every game," echoed disappointed head coach Robbie Wine following the loss.

Despite the tough loss the team does have a few positives looking ahead. 

"We're hitting the ball, we're just not getting timely hits," said Jordan Steranka on one positive moving forward. 

That sense of urgency and positives will be huge motivators for the Lions as they look to bounce back in game two of their three game series vs. Michigan Saturday at 2:05 pm.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien spoke to the media on Friday afternoon before the ninth spring practice of the season.

Coach O'Brien addressed the team's progress thus far during spring practice, the Blue-White game and more here.  Take a look.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Several members of the Nittany Lion football team addressed the media on the practice field prior to Friday's ninth spring session of the season.

Take a look at what senior wide receiver Justin Brown, senior linebacker Gerald Hodges, senior defensive end Pete Massaro, senior linebacker Michael Mauti, junior running back Silas Redd and senior center Matt Stankiewitch had to say on a sun-splashed day in Happy Valley.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Bill O'Brien joked that he would by lying if he told you that he has unpacked any boxes at his new home in Boalsburg.

That is what he told a room full of 25 sports editors and reporters earlier this week at the Penn Stater Hotel, a place Coach O'Brien grew to know quite well while living there in Room 253 before his family moved from Massachusetts at the end of March.

Coach O'Brien did put his clothes away, but he has left the task of unpacking to his wife, Colleen.  The O'Brien family's belongings rolled into Happy Valley three weeks ago, aboard the same blue and white clad moving tractor-trailer that carries the Penn State football equipment to all of its road games.  The O'Briens' two sons, Jack (9) and Michael (6), have both started school, and things are beginning to settle down.

But the work on the field is just beginning for the new leader of Penn State football.

Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions are more than halfway done with the 15 allotted spring practices, but he would probably like an additional 15 days of on-field work to get through everything he wants to this spring.

Nonetheless, the Lions have made obvious progress on the field from practice one to practice eight.  The players are beginning to understand the pace at which Coach O'Brien wants to practice at and how much pre-practice preparation goes into learning the new schemes, signals, and lingo that come with a Penn State's new offense and defense.

"Things are progressing at a decent pace," Coach O'Brien said.  "We have a long way to go, but we're looking forward to the Blue-White Game, summer conditioning and then training camp.  We feel decent about where we are right now."

It is a tall order to implement a completely new, complex, pro-style system in 15 practices.  The learning curve has been steep for the Nittany Lion players with a plethora of new things to pick up each day on the field.  Additionally, practice moves at a swift pace because that is the tempo at which Coach O'Brien wants the Nittany Lions to play at in the fall.

He wants to play fast.

As one period ends on the practice field an air horn sounds, and the players sprint to the next location on the field.  Getting the maximum number of reps during each drill or scrimmage in the allotted period of time is important this spring.

So too is teaching.

That's why you often see Coach O'Brien and the rest of the staff frequently pull units or individual players aside for one-on-one instruction during practice.  The players have responded well, and they have worked hard throughout spring practice.

"I have been very, very impressed with the players," Coach O'Brien said.  "These are kids that want to be coached, that want to be good, that want to get a degree...I have been very impressed with how they practice, how they've caught on to our tempo of practice, their intelligence and how they carry themselves in the football building and outside the football building."

No one has faced a steeper learning curve than the quarterbacks.  At the focal point of Coach O'Brien's offensive philosophy is the quarterback position.  Senior Matt McGloin, junior Rob Bolden and sophomore Paul Jones have split reps throughout spring practice.

Coach O'Brien calls all of the plays during practice, and he spends a great deal of time talking with, critiquing and teaching all three quarterbacks.  While he wants to see continued improvement in decision making, accuracy and grasping of the offense, Coach O'Brien has been impressed with the group's willingness to learn and work ethic.

"The thing that I have been impressed with about these three guys is that they come in for extra film, they want to be coached, they want to be good and they all have the tools," Coach O'Brien said.  "I have really enjoyed working with them during this first few spring practices.  I am looking forward to the journey ahead."

In addition to the players learning new schemes this spring, Coach O'Brien, himself, is transitioning back into college football after spending the last five years in the NFL.  Among the list of things he noted as adjustments - the depth of recruiting and the way it is covered by the media, field dimensions with wider hash marks and rules, namely a defensive back's ability to make contact with a receiver more than five yards down the field.

There is one significant constant between the way things operated for Coach O'Brien at the New England Patriots and now at Penn State - the value of teamwork.

"Teamwork is something that we will make sure our players always understand," Coach O'Brien said.  "We play as one unit.  We play as one team.  No player will ever be bigger than the team.  No coach will ever be bigger than the team.  The team is what will lead us to victories."

With Coach O'Brien, what you see is what you get.  He is a hard-working, organized, ultra-competitive, straightforward guy with a fiery intensity level and a deep passion for the game of football.  That is apparent every time he steps onto the practice field with a whistle around his neck.

A typical day for Coach O'Brien begins early in the morning, before most of the staff gets into the office.

"I am an early morning guy," Coach O'Brien said.  "I try to get a lot of things done early in the morning.  I try to budget my time so, what I try to do early in the morning is recruiting.  Then I do what I call check-ups on our academics to see how our kids are doing in school.  In the afternoon, it is football."

Outside of football, what does he do for fun?

"I like to laugh, so we have good humor in my house," Coach O'Brien said.  "My wife gets a little sick of it sometimes (laughter).  I like to read.  I love to play golf.  I stink, but I love to play.  Obviously, number one would be hanging out with my family."

While there is a lot of work to be done between today and the season-opener on Sept. 1, Coach O'Brien and the Nittany Lions are off and running in a new era of Penn State football.



Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

Hi family, friends, and fans! It is already April and I can't believe it; there are only three short weeks left of the spring semester until it's summer time! I know I am excited for summer so I can finally be back in the nice Florida sunshine and also to see my family and friends! As most of you know our season came to an end this past weekend at regionals. As a whole I think we had an awesome season and we grew so much as a team this entire year. It was, however, disappointing to not make nationals and actually having to come to terms with us being finished with the season. But, I think we will all remember this feeling which will make us come back better than ever next year. But other than that, classes are going really well and I have already started training for next year. I will be going home for part of the summer, about a month and a half, and then I will be coming back to State College. I am going to be teaching at the summer camp and then I will start classes for the second summer session so I'll be back up here training as well. But, that is it for now; hope everyone is enjoying this lovely spring weather. We Are...

Alex Witt

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Exactly five weeks after clinching the 2012 NCAA Team Championship in St. Louis, four Nittany Lion wrestlers will contend for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team traveling to London this summer.

Penn State's 2012 national champions, Ed Ruth and David Taylor, along with 2011 national champion Quentin Wright and Matt Brown will travel to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on April 21-22 to compete in the freestyle competition at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Taylor, who won the 2012 Hodge Trophy after a dominant 32-0 season at 165 pounds, earned a wildcard spot at 74 kg (163 pounds).  Additionally, redshirt freshman Matt Brown will contend for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team at 74 kg after a second place finish at the Final Olympic Trials Qualifier.

Ruth, who was recently named InterMat Wrestler of the Year after an undefeated national championship season, clinched a wildcard spot for the trials at 84 kg (185 pounds).  Fellow Nittany Lion and 2011 national champion Quentin Wright will join Ruth at 84 kg after also being named a wildcard selection.

Nittany Lion wrestling head coach Cael Sanderson won the World Team Trials after seven years away from competition last summer at 84 kg, but Coach Sanderson is not expected to wrestle at the U.S. Olympic Trials next week.

The winner from each weight class at the Olympic Trials will represent the U.S. at the London 2012 Summer Games.

GoPSUsports.com caught up with all four Nittany Lions preparing for the Olympic Trials at the Penn State wrestling room.  Take a look what they had to say about the adjustment to freestyle competition as they get set for competition in Iowa City.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Since the final game of the three-game series against Big Ten-leading Purdue in West Lafayette two weeks ago, Penn State has gone through a significant transformation on offense.

The players are being more patient at the plate, getting on base, manufacturing runs, hitting the long-ball and coming through in clutch situations.  One contributing factor to this offensive surge has been the play of the seniors, particularly senior outfielder Sean Deegan.

Head coach Robbie Wine moved Deegan to the top of the lineup prior to game three against Purdue, a position he is all too familiar with having been the leadoff hitter last season.  Penn State went on to score a season high 16 runs, blowing out the Boilermakers 16-6 in the series finale.  Deegan crossed home plate three times and went two for six with an RBI during the game.

"I definitely like leading off," said Deegan.  "I think I just feel comfortable there.  I like being able to set the tone."

After struggling early on in the season, Deegan has settled into his role at the top of the order, batting .333 with three homeruns, eight RBIs and 13 runs scored during the last seven games where the Nittany Lions have gone 6-1.  Their only loss came at Pitt on Wednesday.  Deegan attributes his offensive turnaround to learning patience at the plate.

"[I'm] just trying not to do too much, as opposed to earlier in the year where I was trying to beat a guy, to get the big hit every time," said Deegan.  "Instead I'm just relaxing and just trying to take it one pitch at a time."

In the series against Canisius last weekend, Deegan came away with seven RBIs, two homeruns and a walk-off single in the 11th inning during game two.  Penn State finished the series with a sweep of the Golden Griffins on Sunday.

"As a team we've been trying to see more pitches and I think that helps us early on just by getting a read for all the pitches that the pitcher has," said Deegan.  "You just got to see how the game dictates itself."

Deegan grew up watching baseball.  He has lived and breathed the sport for as long as he can remember, drawing his inspiration from family.  His father has been by his side every step of the way, taking him to the battings cages, throwing the ball in the yard and attending virtually all of his games.

"My dad's been a big factor in my life," said Deegan.  "He's probably made it to about 99 percent of my games my whole life, little league, everything.  He's always been there and he's always encouraged me."

Senior leadership is a crucial part of any team and Deegan is at the heart of the Penn State squad.  He is a vocal leader in the dugout who also tries to set an example for the younger players, while immersing himself into the team's relaxed, comedic culture.

"I just try to be a vocal leader as well as lead by example," said Deegan.  "And obviously I'm part of the comedians too."

The Nittany Lions have developed a loose, light-hearted personality that keeps the game enjoyable and acts as the glue that keeps them together.  They know what it takes to win and they are determined to have fun doing it.

"I think that helps us play better," said Deegan of the team's personality.  "We're just all loose, joking around and that keeps everybody into the game."

If a player is in a slump, his teammates are there to pick him up.  Deegan notes that the key to getting out of a negative streak is to keep a positive mentality.

"You got to just take the positives," said Deegan.  "You have a full count at bat and you strike out, well that was a good at bat.  Just think of the positives and know that you got the talent."

Such leadership and wisdom from seniors who have been in these situations before is important for a team because it gives the newer players confidence in tight situations.   When the seniors are performing well offensively it takes a lot of pressure off the younger guys, allowing them to settle down and play their style of baseball.

"When [the seniors] can go out there and set the tone for everybody and get the ball rolling, then that takes the stress off the other guys and I think they hit better that way," said Deegan.  "They can be loose and in baseball when you're loose, that's when you play the best."

Penn State has a critical test this weekend at home against Michigan.  The Wolverines are riding the momentum of a 2-1 series win versus Michigan State last weekend.  Michigan has a solid starting rotation backed by an even stronger bullpen.  It's an even matchup on paper, but playing at home will be a big advantage for the Nittany Lions and winning this series is paramount.  The players are excited to perform in front of the crowd at Medlar field.

"It just makes it exciting as a player when you got your peers out there," said Deegan.  "When you got a full ballpark it just gives you that adrenaline."

Game one kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday with junior John Walter on the mound for Penn State.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lions are nearing the mid-way point of spring practice after Monday's seventh session.

Coach O'Brien and the Lions have made strides on both sides of the ball as the Blue-White Game approaches.  With spring practice nearly half over, take a look through five new faces (and one old face in a new place) that have emerged as contributors.


#2 Curtis Drake - Junior, Cornerback
By no means is Curtis Drake a new face for the Nittany Lions, but the junior has a new number and a new position this spring.  The Philadelphia native missed all of 2010 with a broken left leg.  Drake reinjured his lower left leg during spring practice in 2011.  He appeared in eight games at receiver last season, but was limited by the leg injury.  The West Philadelphia Catholic HS product emerged as a playmaker for the Nittany Lions at the end of 2009 and in the Capital One Bowl victory over LSU.  After two injury-plagued seasons, Drake is looking to play a big role for the Nittany Lion secondary in 2012.  The junior has superb athleticism and has adapted well to his new home at cornerback this spring.  With the graduation of four senior starters, the Nittany Lions will be looking to Drake for added depth in the secondary.


#13 Tim Buckley - Freshman, Safety
The departure of four seniors in the Penn State secondary opened the door for new faces to emerge this spring.  Redshirt freshman Tim Buckley is player who has found his way into the secondary rotation for the Nittany Lions in spring practice.  With bumps and bruises at times this spring in the secondary, the Raleigh, N.C., native has worked with the first team from time to time.  Buckley is a physical defender with good size (6-0, 202).  With continued progress, Buckley is one of numerous players who will look to battle for playing time at safety in 2012.


#15 Alex Kenney - Sophomore, Wide Receiver
With the graduation of standout wide receiver Derek Moye, the Nittany Lions moved into the spring looking to bolster their depth at the receiver spot.  State College product Alex Kenney is a name to keep an eye on for the 2012 season.  After moving from the secondary to receiver during the TicketCity Bowl practice season, Kenney appears to have found a home at receiver.  Kenney, who helped lead State College HS to the PIAA AAAA state title game in 2010, is poised to play a significant role on the Penn State offense in the fall.  A crisp route runner with good hands and speed, Kenney has made very good progress so far this spring.


#18 Deion Barnes - Freshman, Defensive End
Despite the graduation of All-American Devon Still, Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore, the defensive line will be a strength for the Nittany Lions in 2012.  The battles for playing time on the D-Line will be very competitive throughout fall camp leading up to the Sept. 1 opener against Ohio.  Redshirt freshman Deion Barnes will be among the contenders for playing time at end, in addition to seniors Pete Massaro, Sean Stanley and a host of others.  Barnes passes the visual test with superb size, a long wingspan and a quick first step to get into the backfield.  The Philadelphia native has made great progress this spring.  Barnes has recently spent time rotating into the first unit on the defensive line.


#58 Adam Gress - Junior, Offensive Tackle
The Nittany Lions return just one starter from the offensive line that took the field at the TicketCity Bowl in January (C Matt Stankiewitch).  However, the graduation of four seniors has opened the door for new contributors in the trenches.   Adam Gress, who saw action on 20 plays in 2011, is among the athletes who have stepped up this spring.  Gress, a West Mifflin, Pa., native has consistently practiced with the first team offensive line this spring.  Coach O'Brien singled out the redshirt junior for his hard work during the winter strength and conditioning program.  With continued hard work, Gress will challenge for a starting spot at tackle during fall camp.


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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Pegula Ice Arena will not open until September of 2013, but if you close your eyes and open them up inside the CAVE model of the future home of Penn State Hockey at the Applied Research Laboratory on the west side of campus you would think it was open now.

The hockey head coaches and a few staff members recently received an incredible first-hand look at Pegula Ice Arena inside the Applied Research Lab 3D Stereoscopic Model.  Women's hockey head coach Josh Brandwene summed up the detailed model of Pegula Ice Arena best.

"In a word - awesome," Brandwene said.  "It makes you realize what a first class facility this going to be at Penn State."

With aid of a wireless controller, the interactive model enabled the coaches and staff to virtually move throughout the arena.  From the ice and benches to the concourse and suites, the CAVE model inside the Synthetic Environment Applications Laboratory (SEA Lab) takes onlookers through a 1:1 scale tour of the facility.  All four walls and the floor provide a virtual experience of Pegula Ice Arena unlike anywhere else in the world.

Tim Shaw, Head of the SEA Lab, Vaughn Whisker, Research Associate at the SEA Lab, and the SEA Lab staff worked with Mortenson Construction and Crawford Architects to build an exact 1:1 model of the 6,000-seat home of Penn State Hockey before it is constructed.

Men's hockey head coach Guy Gadowsky was impressed from the moment he stepped into the CAVE model.

"It is awesome," Coach Gadowsky said.  "It is so cool being able to go through the arena.  It gives you a great idea about what Pegula Ice Arena is going to be like.  I just wish it were here right now.  It is going to be beautiful."

One of the trademark features that stood out in the Pegula Ice Arena model was the student section.  The steep architectural design in the 1,000-seat student section will put Penn State students on top of the goalie at one end of the ice.

Take a look inside Pegula Ice Arena CAVE model.

With superb weather in Happy Valley this spring, construction of Pegula Ice Arena at the corner of University Drive and Curtin Road is progressing on schedule for completion in September of 2013.  The men's and women's hockey teams will begin varsity competition during the 2012-'13 season.


Pegula Ice Arena CAVE Model Photos:

Men's head coach Guy Gadowsky, director of operations Bill Downey, and Vaughn Whisker from the SEA Lab.

Pegula Ice Arena.

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By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - Beginning with the 2012 women's lacrosse season, the NCAA Rules Committee announced several rule changes, which would take effect this season.

Little did the lacrosse community know what an impact these changes would truly have on the sport of women's lacrosse. Head coach Missy Doherty who is a member of the NCAA Rules Committee supports the changes and believes it will make the game much cleaner.

The rule changes have taken place on two crucial aspects of the game, the issuing of yellow cards for dangerous fouls and the number of players allowed on the circle during the draw.

"I do agree with the new rule changes that have been put in place," said Doherty.  "It is an off sides call that has been changed for the most part. With the new rule, you have to have four people behind the restraining line, whether it is on the attacking end or on the defensive end. The rule is an important change in the game because before when you got a yellow card there was no consequence as you were still playing even at both ends. Now you have to care a little bit more because you are going to be down a player on both ends of the field."

The player that has been issued a yellow card is now required to sit or stand in front of the scoring table. Prior to the change the player who committed the foul was able to resume standing on the sideline next to her coaches and the rest of the team.

"Having the player sit near the scoring table is really for the referees," said Doherty. "This way they know there is a penalty and one team should be playing man down."

Once issued a yellow card the player is required to sit out of the contest for two minutes. However if during that two minutes the opposing team scores, the penalty is then released.

In the Nittany Lions match up against the Florida Gators, yellow cards proved to be an issue during the contest. Penn State was issued six yellow cards, which relegated two key players to the sideline for the remainder of the game.

"Florida was a physical game it was unfortunate that we were the recipients of all the cards," said Doherty. "I thought both teams were equally physical, but unfortunately sometimes that how it goes."

Even though the new rule has shown some disadvantages for the squad this season, it has also shown its perks. The Penn State women's lacrosse team prides itself on its man up offense. One of the squad's best assets is their man up offense.

"Our man up offense is one of our best assets as a team," said Doherty. "We have some smart attackers that see the field really well. Our game-winning overtime goal against Vanderbilt was a man up goal. Maggie sat behind the cage and had a couple cutters early, but waited for Tatum who was wide open."

The other rule change that took effect this season is centered on the draw circle. Now, only two players from each team are allowed to stand on the outside of the draw circle along with the person in the middle.

"It allows for a much cleaner draw, however that is good and bad," said Doherty. "It is going to be hard to have an even slate with teams that really dominate the draw because you can no longer just crowd people in there. We really want to be a team that recognizes that and hopefully uses that to our advantage."

Against a team who historically dominates the draw controls, Penn State hang tough with Northwestern capturing 11 to Northwestern's 12.

Committee members in an effort to keep the fastest growing sport in the country and what some call "the fastest game on two feet" safe consistently revisit the rules each year. This year, introducing some of the biggest changes yet.

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State (13-18, 2-4 Big Ten) completed a three-game sweep of Canisius College (17-17) on Sunday with the help of a walk-off single by sophomore right fielder Zach Ell in the bottom of the ninth.  The Nittany Lions earned their sixth straight victory and are undefeated in the month of April, setting the tone for the team going forward.

"We're having a blast," said Ell.  "I think that's the big key to what we're doing now is we're relaxing, we're sticking to our approaches and we're having some fun."

Penn State's performance this weekend was picturesque of their performance throughout the six-game winning streak.  The Nittany Lions have shown strong offensive capabilities as well as a desire to win when the game comes down to the wire.  The pitching has been at a consistently high level, giving the team a chance to win time after time.  Junior starter Steven Hill talked about the change in the rotation over the past few weeks, resulting in some impressive outings.

"We're just finding our groove and hitting spots," said Hill.  "Everyone's just settling in and getting used to going seven innings a week, over a hundred pitches, hitting spots and learning from your mistakes."

Junior John Walter took the mound on Friday in game one against Canisius and set the standard for his fellow weekend starters.  He went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts.

Offensively Penn State caught fire, scoring five runs in the second, seven runs in the sixth and three runs in the seventh for a final score of 15-5.  Seniors Sean Deegan and Jordan Steranka accounted for five RBIs each and both tallied three-run homeruns on the night.  Penn State as a team combined for twelve hits with three players producing multi-hit games.

"Guys are realizing that whether you're up 10 or down 10, it's the same bat, same ball, same field," said head coach Robbie Wine after the game.  "This game can be easy if you let it be easy."

Game two took the form of a pitchers duel between Penn State sophomore Joe Kurrasch and Golden Griffins starter Devon Stewart.  After giving up an unearned run in the first, Kurrasch settled down for a dominant 6.2 innings of work where he struck out 10 and allowed just four hits.

The Nittany Lions finally got to Stewart in the sixth as Deegan belted his second homerun of the series, a solo shot over the right field wall, tying the game at one.

In the ninth with the game tied 3-3, Canisius loaded the bases with one out when sophomore pitcher Tim "The Gun" Dunn took the mound and induced a crucial 6-4-3 double play to end the threat.  The game would then head into extra innings.  Dunn proceeded to shut down the Griffin offense for 2.2 innings without allowing a hit or run.

"That just gives you momentum," said Deegan of Dunn's performance.  "He just kept going out there and keeping us in it, so that was just big."

Sophomore catcher Alex Farkes started the rally in the 11th, battling through 12 pitches to earn the leadoff walk.  Later, with runners on first and second, Deegan came to the plate and singled off the right field wall, driving in Farkes and taking home the win.

"I was just in a good situation," said Deegan.  "Alex [Farkes] had an awesome at bat and then Elliot [Searer] had a good at bat too and it was only one out so I knew I could be aggressive."

The Nittany Lions rode the momentum into game three and took an early 3-0 lead in the second.  Junior Steven Hill continued the string of high-quality starts by pitching a complete game, giving up three runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts and just two walks.

After scoring a run in the fifth, Canisius tied the game at three in the seventh.  Despite the brief lapse, the coaches kept their trusted starter in the game and Hill settled down, keeping the Golden Griffins off the board into the ninth inning.

Freshman Aaron Novak led off the bottom of the ninth with a single and was bunted to second by junior Luis Montesinos.  Zach Ell stepped into the batters box and with two strikes, drove the ball back up the middle for the walk-off base hit as Penn State defeated Canisius 4-3 in dramatic fashion for the second day in a row.

"It's a great win," said Ell.  "It's great for the team to keep going on the streak, so it feels awesome to get this for the team, it feels awesome."

Ell had a 3-4 day with two RBIs and was one of many heroes contributing to Penn State's weekend sweep.

The Nittany Lions head to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.  They will face Michigan next weekend at home.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State softball team added three more to its wins column after sweeping its conference series against Michigan State over the weekend.

The Nittany Lions faced the Spartans in a doubleheader on Saturday, winning 4-3 and 11-5, and played one more on Sunday afternoon, winning 7-5, to put up a handful of season-bests and power to a four-game winning streak for the second time this season.

In their second game of the series, the Lions scored a season-high 11 runs on another season-high 16 hits, including three homeruns. One of those homers came in the third inning of that game from junior second baseman Lauren Yao, who was also celebrating her 21st birthday that afternoon.

"It was a really great feeling," said Yao. "I've known that it was something I have the ability to do and hitting well in practice and to get it on this day, in particular, it's just a really cool thing to do and I'll definitely remember it."

Penn State tallied impressive numbers off of the mound in the second game as well as senior hurler Lisa Akamine tallied a season-high 12 strikeouts in just six innings of work. Akamine allowed just two runs, one of them unearned, and gave up just two hits against the Spartans.

"Her rise ball was working really well and she just seemed more confident," said sophomore catcher Kasie Hatfield of Akamine. "When she pitches well we all want to produce behind her even more and I think she knew that and she just found her groove."

Before Saturday, the team hadn't scored more than eight runs or tallied more than 11 hits all season. Hatfield and Yao agreed that after being on the road for so much time to begin their year, coming home to Beard Field and playing under sunny State College skies seemed to put the team at ease.

"You realize that being home is an advantage on weekends like these," said Yao. "I think we all wanted to come out and show what we have more and I think that confidence just really carried from one at-bat to another."

Penn State head coach Robin Petrini said that her offense looked especially comfortable this weekend compared to most so far this year. She said they looked more like "sluggers" as the team put a total of five long-balls over the outfield wall on the weekend.

The Nittany Lions improved their record to 11-22 overall and 3-6 in the Big Ten, and Petrini said that the weekend of wins makes a statement for her team in more ways than one.

"It just gives them a little extra confidence and it really keeps them believing," said Petrini. "We have more of the season to play and we have more to work on so we'll keep with that plan and see what we can make of it every game."

Finishing up the Big Ten series at Nittany Lion Softball Park, Penn State has played five consecutive games at home and will continue to do so in the next five contests on its schedule. Next up, the Nittany Lions will play host to the Temple Owls in a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

This past Saturday, as one of our spring competition days, we were fortunate enough to travel to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.  When we got there our team split into small groups and all paired up with players from the Navy team, who showed us around the yard.  We had gorgeous weather, and loved seeing the river come up to the edge of campus.  It was really neat to get a behind-the-scenes tour of a campus so different from ours.  I don't think many of us would last with some of the things they have to do (freshmen aren't even allowed to listen to music!).  We got to eat lunch in the mess hall, where on weekdays all the midshipmen (a little over 4000 total) eat every meal together.  Again, it was really cool to get to experience something so different from what we're used to.  After lunch we hit the gym for a couple hours, intermixing with the Navy team to play some competitive drills.  It was a little distracting having an entire wall of the field house be windows, with boats docked in the river twenty yards away!  All in all it was an awesome day, meeting and playing with new people, and getting to see a very impressive academy!


Maggie Harding

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State defeated Canisius, 4-3, on Saturday with the help of a game-winning single by senior outfielder Sean Deegan in the bottom of the 11th, extending the Nittany Lions' winning streak to five games.

Sophomore transfer Joe Kurrasch pitched a gem against the Golden Griffins in front of about a dozen baseball scouts who had arrived in Happy Valley to watch the lefthander's performance.  Despite the added pressure, Kurrasch remained focused and threw for 6.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run on four hits with 10 strikeouts.

"I don't think about it," said Kurrasch in reference to the presence of scouts at the game.  "When I'm pitching, it's mainly about pitching and our team getting a win."

After Canisius took an early 1-0 lead off of an unearned run in the first, Kurrasch and Golden Griffin starter Devon Stewart continued the pitchers duel into the sixth.  It was Deegan who finally struck back for the Nittany Lions with a solo shot over the right field wall, tying the game at one apiece.

"Joe was pitching great, so just to even it up and know that we had a chance, I thought that it was going to spark something," said Deegan

The hit was enough to awaken the offense as Penn State manufactured two runs in the seventh with two outs.  Sophomore catcher Alex Farkes started the rally, reaching first on a throwing error by the third baseman and advancing to second when junior Ryan Clark took his base on a walk.  Junior Elliot Searer then extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single to left, scoring Farkes and giving the Nittany Lions the lead.  After intentionally walking Deegan to load the bases, Stewart plunked sophomore Steve Snyder to give Penn State the 3-1 advantage.

Canisius responded by scoring two runs in the eighth, tying the game at three.  In the top of the ninth, the Golden Griffins loaded the bases with one out when sophomore reliever Tim "The Gun" Dunn replaced Evan Dixon on the mound.  With one pitch, Dunn induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and the threat.  Dunn continued his dominance on the mound through the next two innings, giving the Nittany Lions a chance to win in the bottom of the eleventh.

"That just gives you momentum," said Deegan of Dunn's performance.  "He just kept going out there and keeping us in it, so that was just big."

The Golden Griffins had their ace closer in for a third straight inning when Penn State came to bat in the 11th.  Once again Farkes sparked the rally, battling for 12 pitches before finally earning first base on ball four.  Junior Matt Paradise bunted Farkes to second and Searer fought to obtain a walk of his own.  With runners on first and second, Deegan came to the plate and launched the game-winning single off the right field wall, giving the Nittany Lions the 4-3 win.

"I was just in a good situation," said Deegan.  "Alex [Farkes] had an awesome at bat and then Elliot [Searer] had a good at bat too and it was only one out so I knew I could be aggressive."

The dramatic victory was huge for the players' confidence and it showed their resolve to fight until the bitter end.

"For us to show the character that we had today and us sticking in it for as long as we did and not giving up says a lot," said Kurrasch.

Penn State concludes the series against Canisius on Sunday at 1 p.m.  Junior Steven Hill will take the mound for the Nittany Lions in their attempt to sweep the Golden Griffins at home.

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball used another strong offensive performance to bring home its fourth-straight win Friday night, topping Canisius 15-5 in the first game of a three game weekend series. 

The Nittany Lions used a big second inning to take a quick 5-0 lead over the Golden Griffins.  Jordan Steranka started off the inning quick with a hit, with runners then advancing on a two bunts and a wild throw by the Canisius pitcher. 

With the runners on base the Lions really started to do damage as Elliot Searer doubled down the right field line scoring two with the bases loaded to give the home team a 2-0 lead.  Outfielder Sean Deegan then added to the lead with a big-time homer to bring the score to 5-0. 

Canisius bounced back in the fifth inning, as they finally got to Walter and the Penn State defense, turning two hits, a hit-by-pitch and a walk into three runs, cutting the deficit to 5-3. 

Despite Canisius bringing the game within two, it was never closer as the Lions used a seven run sixth inning to break the game open to 12-3, where they never looked back. 

The outburst was powered by another homerun for Penn State, this time a three-run shot for Steranka.

This has been the fourth straight game where the Lions have scored eight or more runs, as the offense has really been clicking. 

On the pitching side of things, John Walter was solid for Penn State, going six innings and getting seven strikeouts to get the win. 

With the team playing so well momentum has begun to build in Happy Valley. 

"Guys are realizing that whether you're up 10 or down 10, it's the same bat, same ball, same field," said head coach Robbie Wine on the team starting to play well and momentum building.  "This game can be easy if you let it be easy."

The way they've been playing it's all looking easy right now for the Nittany Lions, and they're looking to continue that on Saturday vs. Canisius.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - For seven consecutive matches the Penn State men's volleyball team was away from State College and playing as the visiting team. On Friday night, the Nittany Lions snapped their road streak and returned to their home court confinements in Rec Hall where they swept Sacred Heart.

Thanks to a productive offense that swung at a .380 clip, collectively, and a defense that tallied a season-high 15.5 blocks, the Lions sailed to their 12th conference win of the season. With just two EIVA matches left to go play this season, Penn State remains atop the leader board in conference standings with an undefeated 12-0 mark.

The Nittany Lion defense made it tough for the Pioneers to score as it relied on the big single-, double- and triple-blocks throughout the night. Penn State held Sacred Heart to just a .085 offensive average for the match and won 25-19, 25-22 and 25-19 respectively.

Penn State head coach Mark Pavlik said that the blocking effort that his team put up all evening was just about as good as it has been all season long.

"You saw our best blocking defense tonight," said Pavlik. "I think what you saw what were the results of the work we've been doing in the past couple of weeks with it."

The freshmen kept things especially tight at the net as Aaron Russell led the pack with eight block assists and Nick Goodell followed with another six. Pavlik said that the team has been focusing on their block technique and really concentrating on the block during practices especially for the past three or four weeks.

The head coach said that one of those freshmen in particular has really turned his game around since the beginning of the 2011-'12 season.

"Goodell, who at one point in the fall we were wondering if he could block an intersection with a car, he did a really nice job on our block and defense," said Pavlik.

While Goodell laughed at his coach's critique, he too agreed that his improvements and his team's have been a huge help defensively at the net.

"It's just all starting to pay off," Goodell said of the blocking game. "Even in practice, not just getting blocks but just touching the ball and keeping it on our side. It's just hard work really paying off."

Penn State led the way offensively as well with the help of redshirt senior Joe Sunder's match high 13 kills hitting .409 for the evening. Sunder said that his performance on the court has not been as productive as he would have liked in recent matches, and that his match high hitting was a good reminder of what he can do.

"It felt like something I haven't really done in a while," said Sunder. "Tonight was the first time in a while that I felt confident coming out strong."

Sunder said that it was an especially nice feeling to be able to wake up in his own bed and catch a short ride to Rec Hall for the night's match rather than have to meet in a hotel lobby and ride a charter bus to an opposing team's gym.

Pavlik agreed, and said that the idea of having home court advantage is something that usually gets taken for granted.

"That is one of the underrated joys of coaching," said Pavlik. "Waking up in your own bed after long road trips and on game-day saying, you know everything can be in a normal routine."

The Nittany Lions will host Harvard on Saturday night in hopes of a 13th conference win, which would make Penn State the owner of the EIVA title yet again and allow the team to host both the conference semifinals and finals at the end of the month.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Success is often measured by one's ability to move from one setback to the next without losing enthusiasm.

Penn State tight end Garry Gilliam and defensive end Pete Massaro know a thing or two about setbacks.  They also know a thing or two about the work ethic and positive attitude necessary to overcome adversity.

Neither player ever doubted that the opportunity to step back on the field might not happen again, but overcoming a serious knee injury is as difficult mentally as it is physically.

But the hours and hours of rehab work, often side-by-side, are behind them, and Gilliam and Massaro are back on the practice field this spring looking ahead to playing a big role for the Nittany Lions in the fall.

"It was kind of surreal," Gilliam said of stepping back onto the practice field for the first time.  "It was just good to get out there and play again."

"It feels so good to finally get back out there," Massaro said.

While Gilliam has no limitations this spring and Massaro's knee is not quite 100 percent, both players will be at full strength when the 2012 season begins in September.

The road back to the field is virtually over, but it was by no means an easy road to get there for either Nittany Lion.

While blocking down field in the latter stages of the first half at Kinnick Stadium during Penn State's primetime clash at Iowa on Oct. 2, 2010, Gilliam's knee gave out.  He knew instantly that something was wrong.  Gilliam had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), torn medial collateral ligament (MCL), torn patellar tendon, torn lateral meniscus and bone bruising in his left knee.

After starting three of the first five games during the 2010 season, Gilliam's promising redshirt freshman campaign ended after just five weeks.

His first question to Penn State team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli after the injury diagnosis was whether or not he would be able to return to the field at full strength.  Dr. Sebastianelli told Gilliam that while it would be a difficult recovery, he would return to the field.

That is all Gilliam needed to hear.

From that moment forward, Gilliam put his head down and went to work.

The Carlisle, Pa., native was scheduled for surgery to repair the damages in his left knee during the week after Thanksgiving in 2010.  However, the swelling had not reduced as quickly as it should have, so Gilliam underwent further testing.

Things became more complicated from there.

It was determined during the week prior to the surgery that Gilliam had a severe infection in his injured knee, thus delaying surgery.  After extensive treatment for the infection, the tight end underwent surgery in May, six months after it had been originally scheduled.  Gilliam had a second operation for a follow up procedure to clean up the area, as well.

He then missed all of the 2011 season while he rehabbed the knee.  Gilliam said it was tough to stay mentally strong during the prolonged recovery period, but knowing that a return to the field was at the end of the battle was all he needed to keep working hard.

In January, Gilliam began to feel like his knee was nearing 100 percent.  He was a full participant in offseason conditioning drills, and now, he is back practicing for the first time in 18 months.

"No, I am not limited," Gilliam said.  "The knee is good.  I am still trying to build up my confidence up, but it is going great...I am able to do everything at practice."

Like the rest of the offensive players, Gilliam is learning a new playbook and offensive scheme this spring.

"It is kind of like being a freshman again, learning an entirely new offense," Gilliam said.  "Everything is fast and precise in the offense."

The tight ends will be at the center of the Penn State offense, and Gilliam is eager to continue learning the 'Y' and 'F' positions.

"I am really excited about the offense," Gilliam said.  "The tight ends will have a big role in it.  It is a lot to learn, but I am excited about what it has in store for us."

Gilliam, who will petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility so that he will have three seasons remaining, said that learning the new offense is like learning a new language.

Massaro's plot features many of the same chapters as Gilliam's during the past 12 months.

The senior defensive end redshirted as a freshman in 2008.  After suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during the 2009 Blue-White Game, Massaro missed the entire 2009 season.

Nonetheless, the Newton Square, Pa., native came back with a vengeance in 2010.  A starter in the final 11 games, Massaro evolved into a consistent pass rusher for the Nittany Lion defense.  He tallied 37 tackles and 8.0 tackles for a loss.  Massaro was named an Academic All-American following his strong season on the field and in the classroom in 2010. 

Poised for a big season in 2011, Massaro entered spring practice with a great deal of confidence.  But nearly two years after his first serious knee injury, Massaro tore the ACL in his left knee during spring practice.

Facing his second recovery in two years, Massaro's confidence level never wavered.

"I knew that I needed to keep my nose to the grindstone, and that everything is going to turn out all right," Massaro said.

He never doubted whether or not he would play again.

"Despite second injury, I knew I was going to come back.  There was never a question," Massaro said.

Through countless hours of rehab work, again, Massaro is back in uniform this spring.  While his left knee is not quite at full strength, Massaro has practiced every day this spring.  He is not a full participant yet, but he is working his way back into game shape.

"It does take time to get muscle memory back," said Massaro.  "I want to get back to last spring's form before the injury."

Massaro said the spring practice season has gone well for him so far.  It is decided day-to-day which drills he participates in.  Additionally, he is enjoying the challenge of learning a new defensive scheme under new coordinator Ted Roof.

"Coach Roof is great at pushing people and getting the best out of people," Massaro said.

Gilliam and Massaro spent much of the past 12 months enduring the same challenges, often rehabbing together.

"We have gone through rehab together, and pretty much every day we talk about our knees and how they are feeling," Gilliam said.  "It has helped both of us because we have had that person to go through it with us.  We are going through the same thing, so it helps."

Having been off the field for so long, both players are understandably rusty this spring.

"I am obviously a little rusty because it has been a long time since I have played football," Gilliam said.  "The hardest thing was probably my confidence, just really trusting the fact that my knee is good to go."

"I'm a little rusty at this point," said Massaro, who does not expect to wear a brace in the fall.  "The knee is not quite 100 percent, but it feels good."

The Sept. 1 home opener against Ohio cannot come soon enough for two players deserving of a strong 2012 season.


Follow GoPSUsports.com Media Specialist Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
University Park, Pa.- The team could see it coming, following Saturday's tough loss to Purdue, the Penn State baseball players knew they were very close to finally breaking open the offensive floodgates.  Following a third straight big win since Saturday; it looks like they were exactly right.

The Lions used another strong offensive show to go along with great pitching to come away with an 8-2 win Wednesday night at home vs. Binghamton.

Just like Purdue on Sunday (a 16-6 Lions win) the top of the lineup was yet again a driving force for the Nittany Lions as Sean Deegan and Jordan Steranka each had three hits, with Steve Snyder and Joey DeBernardis each having one hit and two RBIs.

"We were able to carry on what we've been able to do the last two games," said outfielder Sean Deegan.  "Everything's been clicking, everyone's been hitting, top to bottom putting runs on the board."

When everyone is getting on base the approach can change, and the team can start to be more aggressive at the plate. 

"When we're scoring a lot of runs you can be so much more aggressive," Deegan said.  "You can try driving the ball a little bit more."

That ability to be aggressive led to 12 hits in the win over Binghamton, with eight different players getting at least one hit.

Binghamton had started off the game quick with a 1-0 first inning lead, but the Lions bounced back off the hitting of the top of that lineup to score four in the third and never look back. 

This was a great sign for the home team to be able to bounce back, as previously they had been 2-12 in games where the opposing team scored first. 

"I think early in the season when we got down we got down on ourselves, but recently we've been playing well it's not going to phase us, especially being at home," said third baseman Joey DeBernardis.  "It's only one run and you got to score a run to win, so I don't think it phased us that much." 

DeBernardis has been anything but phased lately as he has really been knocking the cover off the ball for the Lions, not only did he have two RBIs vs. Binghamton, but he was 4-5 with a homerun vs. Kent State on Tuesday. 

"It's been about time," DeBernardis said about not only the team's hitting, but his as well.  Adding he hasn't changed anything at the plate too much, just trying to be more relaxed and comfortable.

One way to continue to be relaxed and comfortable at the plate is when you know you have a strong pitcher on the mound, and that is exactly what the Lions had on Wednesday in Cody Lewis. 

Lewis was able to pick up his second win on the season, throwing five innings and allowing only one earned run on seven hits for the win. 

"I definitely pitched better than I had this season," Lewis said on his performance.  "Settle down, try and keep the ball down, let my defense do the work."

With the strong offensive outbursts and the solid pitching the team is confident they will be able to keep this three game winning streak going. 

"The last few games we've got a lot more confidence, especially offensively," said assistant coach Eric Folmar.

The team will look to add to that streak and confidence this weekend as they battle Canisius at home in a three game series.

By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No.12 Penn State women's lacrosse team will take on the No.1 Northwestern Wildcats Friday at 7 p.m. The team is looking forward to playing its first night game at the brand new Penn State Lacrosse Field in its second consecutive top five opponent.

Head coach Missy Doherty says the program has really turned a corner this season, but there is still more work to be done.

"I think we have really turned a corner in games like Vanderbilt and Virginia," said Doherty. "We are in the mix, but now our next step in the program is to really start competing with these top five teams. In order to do that, we need to dominate possession and get the draw."

The Nittany Lions struggled to gain possession of the ball against the Florida Gators only obtaining nine draw controls to Florida's 23.  In the game of women's lacrosse the draw is often said to win games as it gives the team dominating the draw more opportunities to score.

Penn State did its best to make the most of the opportunities they were given and scored 11 goals on 22 shots. However, Florida's attack proved to dominate possession time and fired 43 shots on goal. Doherty says this is something they will need to improve on if they are going to succeed against top five teams in the future.

"Our main issue in games with these top teams is controlling the ball," said Doherty. "It is all about being able to control the ball and get the draw. Our draw controls against Florida were a lot to a little, and that played a factor. Possession time is key when you play against a team like Northwestern."

Powerhouse Northwestern is undefeated so far this season (10-0) with close overtime victories against Syracuse (11-9) and Ohio State (13-12).  Doherty and her Nittany Lion squad will look to hand the Wildcat's their first loss of the season by beating them at their own game.

"Northwestern is the type of team that really takes its time on offense, but really rushes you in the defensive end," said Doherty. "If you are on defense the majority of the game against them you are not going to win. So we really need to keep control, be patient on offense so we tire out their defense and finish strong."

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State's starting rotation faced an intimidating test last weekend against 19th-ranked Purdue (21-5, 4-2 Big Ten), who featured the nation's top offense.  Though Purdue took two of three in the series, the offense dropped to ninth in the country after quality performances by each of the three Penn State starters.

Purdue entered the day with a team batting average of .340 and five players with averages above .360.  Junior John Walter opened the series pitching a solid 6.2 innings while allowing five runs, only one of them earned, during the contest.  Penn State's offense struggled against boilermaker starter Joe Haas and the Nittany Lions fell 9-3.

Sophomore transfer Joe Kurrasch followed up on Saturday throwing for 7.1 innings and holding Purdue's offense to just two runs on three hits with five strikeouts, dropping his ERA to 2.95.  Though Penn State fell short, 2-0, during the pitchers' duel, the momentum in the series was beginning to shift.  Kurrasch talked about his mindset going up against such a potent lineup.

"I just approached them as if they were any other team," said Kurrasch.  "You don't make the game bigger than it is.  Then it was just not thinking about that aspect of it, it was just to pitch."

Junior Steven Hill wrapped up the series on Sunday, which held a completely different outcome.  The Nittany Lions ignited on offense, scoring 13 times in the first three innings and finishing the game with a season-high16 runs.

Junior Steven Hill, pitching with a commanding lead, threw for 6.2 innings, holding the Boilermakers to four runs with three strikeouts and just one walk.  Regardless of the score, Hill stayed focused throughout with the same goal in mind.

"My goal was just to keep us in the game as much as possible because we were due for a big offensive game," said Hill.

The scoring spree was a huge confidence booster for the team as a whole and it allowed Hill to relax and play his game.

"You see guys squaring bunts up and runs are getting pushed across the plate and you feel like you've got some leeway," said Hill.  "It helps you relax and know that if a run scores it's not the end of the world."

On the defensive side, bringing Purdue's offense back down to earth was no easy task.  Each starter had to be focused because one mistake to virtually any of the Boilermaker hitters would have been costly.  Penn State came in with a good strategy and the pitchers stuck to it.

"You just got to execute the game plan and we had a great game plan going into it," said Hill.

"For me it's the same thing no matter what the situation is," said Kurrasch.  "I have confidence in my stuff and it's up to me to go out there and execute."

Hill explained that the key to facing a lineup like Purdue's is to battle and challenge the hitters.

"You got to grind it out," said Hill.  "Grind innings out and just be a bulldog out there and pound the zone and get ahead."

The bullpen backed the starters both on Saturday and Sunday, holding Purdue to a mere two hits and two runs over a combined three innings.  The bullpen has had its highs and lows all season, but they have come through when it matters and their support at the end of the rotation is essential to the team's success.

"You want to feel confident in the fact that the bullpen's going to get that crucial guy out with runners on base," said Hill.  "I think they've been doing a heck of a job lately just stepping up."

"They all have a very similar mentality and they show up every day and they're going to do their job," said Kurrasch.  "There's been confidence all year in the bullpen."

Penn State's pitching staff shares a unique bond.  They joke and tease each other, but at the end of the day they are a close-knit group of players.

"We go through the same thing, the same conditioning with the pitchers so we definitely forge a special bond," said junior John Walter.

Regardless of whether they are winning or losing, one thing is certain; they know how to enjoy the sport they love.

"It's great," said Hill.  "Playing baseball is just fun.  Being a pitcher is just fun.  There's no other way to put it."

Penn State returns to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this weekend to play a three-game series against Canisius.  Walter, Kurrasch and Hill look to extend Penn State's three-game winning streak and ride the momentum into the next Big Ten series against Michigan.

While some people on the team (and Steve) thought it was the longest trip of their lives being a five hour trip, it was just another drive home for me. We got to Mechanicsville late that Friday night and there was my mom, the Slay's and Racibarskas' welcoming us. The next morning my mother, who is close to being the most wonderful person in the world, fixed us the best breakfast that I have ever seen. The girls had a field day and I was excited because I knew that I got to take any leftovers back to State College. It was weird seeing coach chilling on my front porch and I was certain that my above normal heighted teammates wouldn't fit in my house but somehow it happened. We got to my high school and it was just a blast from the past. Some of my former teachers and teammates stopped by as well as anyone who has been a part of my volleyball career. We played some really competitive drills and it was really great to play in my old high school gym. It was nice to finally play someone besides ourselves and UNC is a great team. I love watching our team make such big strides and that's what the spring is all about. We're getting better and I can't wait to see what the rest of the spring has in store for us.

Carp

By Laura Finley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The greater the challenge, the harder one must work.

The Penn State women's gymnastics team can attest to this. After closing the regular season with a winning record and placing sixth in the Big Ten Championships, the Nittany Lions head to Raleigh, N.C., this weekend for the NCAA Regionals.

"There are definitely a lot of emotions because we know that this is it," said junior Madison Merriam. "This could be our last meet if we don't do what we need to do and go in there to Raleigh and do our job. But at the same time we have to put that feeling aside and just tell ourselves it's just another meet in order to get the job done."

Penn State has worked hard all season to find the right balance in every routine. With two meets left in the regular season, the gymnasts came close, hitting all 24 of their routines against the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Maryland.

"Watching them come together has been exciting because you see all of their hard work throughout the season coming together," said associate coach Rachelle Thompson. "All year it has been a slow and steady progress for us. The last two weeks in the regular season they hit all 24 routines. That's been a slow and steady thing for us because that was the first two meets out of all twelve that we've hit all of our routines."

Now, with the success of the regular season behind them, the women look on to their next challenge, the NCAA Regionals. After failing to qualify for nationals by only .075 in last year's regional finals, Penn State is all focus going in to the weekend.

For the team, this weekend culminates to one thing: Bring it Back.

"Moving forward this year, there's a constant reminder every time we say 'bring it back'," said Thompson. "It's not just about winning and it's not just about a championship, it's about a daily attitude and mentality of bringing into this gym what we want to see happen and remembering how we felt at regionals last year. We want to bring that feeling back to the gym so we never lose a meet by .075 again."

With two weeks to prepare for regionals following the Big Ten tournament, the women have brought that attitude and mentality to the gym during every practice. They know that to carry on a Penn State tradition, hard work and dedication is a necessity.

"The team mindset going into practice is on fixing the little details," said Merriam. "We're coming in to the gym and trying to make those changes so we can keep advancing in the future. If we can make those changes and get bigger scores, we have the opportunity to move on to nationals."

With a season spent competing against top teams such as Alabama, Ohio State and NC State, Penn State knows what to expect from the challenge that awaits it in Raleigh.

"I think competing with those big teams helps us," said Senior Alex Stine. "We know how much we have to push ourselves every day in the gym to get to that level. It has definitely helped us."

And this experience will help the team as the Nittany Lions compete against Ohio State, NC State and the University of North Carolina for a second time this season while also facing the top team in the nation, the University of Florida.

"Looking on to the regional meet, we're all really excited," said Stine. "We always talk about the greater the challenge, the harder you have to work and raise your expectations. We're ready to go down there and show the gymnastics community how hard we've been training. We're ready to bring it back."

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion football team completed its fifth practice of the spring season on Wednesday afternoon.

For the third time this spring, Penn State practiced in full pads. Like Monday's practice, the Lions scrimmaged during the final few periods at the end of Wednesday's fast-paced practice.  The sixth of 15 spring practices will be on Friday afternoon.  The Blue-White Game is scheduled for April 21 at Beaver Stadium.

Following practice on Wednesday, GoPSUsports.com caught up with junior running back Silas Redd and senior defensive end Pete Massaro for their thoughts on the first five days of on-field work this spring.  Both players talked about learning new schemes and the progress the team has made since practice began on March 26.

By Kelsey Detweiler, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Instead of waking up in a hotel and taking a bus to an opposing team's field like they've done for the past 28 games they've played, the Nittany Lions were able to get out of their own beds and some could even walk to Beard Field where they opened their home season against in-state rival Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon.

Penn State split the twinbill against the Panthers, dropping the first game of the afternoon 7-2 but bouncing back in the second with a 4-0 victory that snapped what had been a 13-game losing streak.

Freshman hurler Marissa Diescher got the nod in the second contest of the day after senior ace Lisa Akamine tossed the first seven innings of play against the Panthers. Behind solid defense and timely offensive production, Diescher tossed a two-hit shutout under the afternoon sun.

Diescher's teammate and junior centerfielder Cassidy Bell provided the spark at the very start of the second game of the day with a lead-off home run against Pittsburgh's Alexa Larkin. That run would be the only number on the board for either of the two teams until the Nittany Lions struck again in the sixth.

But with a tough infield behind her and a mix of outfielders that battled the rays looming over Nittany Lion Softball Park, Diescher said that one run was enough to get her going.

"It was great," said Diescher. "Usually that's not a lot to feel comfortable on but after that [run] I knew I had to kind of keep them off of the board and I knew we'd come through in the end."

The freshman right-hander struck out three and walked six en route to the much-needed win and said she was mostly reliant on hitting spots on the outer half of the plate in the 28 Panther at-bats that she faced.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions made it look effortless with no errors and 21 put-outs in the field. Diescher said that she was trying to keep Pittsburgh off balance at the plate with a mixture of off-speed pitches and fastballs on every corner of the plate to produce what were nine weak ground balls for easy Penn State outs.

After the win, Bell said that head coach Robin Petrini was all smiles in the dugout as she had a few words of congratulations for her team.

"Take a breath - it's over," Bell said, echoing her head coach. "We got the 'W' and we won and that's all that matters right now."

Bell said that the four runs she and her teammates produced and the solid pitching that Diescher provided off of the mound were something that fans and spectators should take note of.

"We felt this was a very important win to get," said Bell. "We were just concentrated on trying to jump on it first and keep the energy up - keep all of the positive attitude and keep fighting. We've been fighting for basically the whole season and I feel like it's finally dropping in for us now."

The win gives the Nittany Lions an 8-22 overall mark this season and prevented the team from tying what would have been the longest losing-streak in the program's history had they lost.

The opening pair of contests against the Panthers was the first two of ten consecutive games that Penn State will get to host in State College. Next up, the Nittany Lions welcome Michigan State to Bear Field for their third conference series of the season this coming weekend.

By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - For the second season in a row, sophomore Austin Kaut (Morton, Pa.) is among the top goalies in the nation, serving as a security blanket for his team's defense.

"Goalies are like the quarterback of the defense in lacrosse," said Kaut. "As a goalie it's my responsibility to communicate with the defense and make sure everyone is in their spot."

Starting in the net for the second-straight year, Kaut is continuing to exhibit spectacular play that earned him CAA Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman.

In his impressive rookie campaign, the net minder topped several NCAA statistical lists, including save percentage (.635) and saves per game (13.64).

"Austin is one of the best goalies in the country, and it's great to work with him," said teammate and fellow goalie Conor Baucum (Chevy Chase, Md.).

Baucum, a junior, has seen limited in-game action in the net, and has found other ways to help out his team.

"I've become kind of a 'rah-rah' guy on the sidelines," said Baucum. "This is what I can do to help the team and if it keeps up the enthusiasm, then we can play better as a result."

Sparking intensity and motivation is not the only method of contribution for Baucum. He and fellow goalie Dave Baker (Havertown, Pa.) help on the offensive side of the ball when they stay back at practice and tend the net while the offense practices their shooting and accuracy.

"We have a really tight-knit pack of goalies on this team, and that's how it should be," said Baucum. He explained how the three goalies share tips and strategies to help each other improve.

As for Kaut, the presence of the other goalies on the roster helps him stay sharp.

"Having them nipping at my toes at practice to get my spot keeps me going," said Kaut. "It prompts me to work hard on and off the field to become the best goalie I can be."

Kaut has seen the majority of the action in the goal this season, and his put up impressive numbers against challenging opponents and skilled offenses.

The goalie ranks in the top 10 in the nation in goals against average and save percentage, which is an impressive feat considering the competition he has faced.

The Nittany Lions have faced eight ranked opponents this season, and of those teams, Kaut has tended the net against four teams in the top-ten in scoring offense.

In a loss to No. 16 Bucknell, Kaut allowed nine goals, which is significantly less than the astounding 13.33 goals per game average scored by the Bison.

The sophomore still has a difficult test ahead, as the team will face four-straight conference opponents to round out the season.

"We are ready for our upcoming games," said Kaut. "We have our work cut out for us because we need to get some wins and get a nice spot in the CAA tournament."

The Penn State men's lacrosse team will face Drexel in Philadelphia on Saturday. Faceoff is slated for 2 p.m.

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had or are looking forward to a great spring break! The past couple weeks have been great inside the gym! As championship season is beginning we have been working extra hard to focus and put ourselves in meet-like situations for more preparation. Two weeks ago was the start of it all, Big Ten Championships. Unfortunately, we didn't do as well as we wanted.  As we walked out of that competition we were more motivated than ever! Our goal was to get back in the gym and work really hard to fix the things we needed to so we could put it all together for regionals! I think we are as prepared as we can be for this competition. This weekend we will be bussing it to North Carolina State to compete against NC State, Florida, Ohio State, Kent State, and UNC. The top two teams will then qualify to NCAA's.  We look at Big Ten's as just another thing that will help us prepare, and better us on our journey to the top! Last week we had the privilege of hearing an amazing man, Coach Mike Morse, speak to us. He has lived an incredible life of challenges you can't even imagine! He talked to us and explained how you can be great, but you are nothing without your team. You're stronger together then you are apart. It was an emotional yet truly inspiring speech. This week as our close knit team competes, we will fight until the very end to claim the spot we earned and deserve!

WE ARE... PENN STATE

Lexi Carroll

Hello Penn State Fans!

This past weekend we took on Princeton and George Mason. On Friday night Princeton gave us more than we had expected, but we squeaked out a five set victory. It would be an understatement to say we didn't play our cleanest volleyball the first three sets of the match, but Princeton was taking advantage of our mistakes. After being down two sets to one and facing match point in the fourth set, it was amazing to see how easy the game of volleyball is when you step on the court and just have fun and compete. Joe Sunder and Jace Olsen came up with some crucial swings in the fourth set and we overcame seven match points to take the set 37-35. As long as I've been at Penn State, I think this was the highest scoring set I've been a part of and probably the most that we've been pushed by an EIVA team. We might not have played our best or prettiest match, but sometimes it's good to be punched in the mouth and see how you will respond.  Princeton played a great game, but it was good to see us fight through the match when things weren't going our way and come out on top.

On Saturday we headed down to Virginia to take on George Mason. It was interesting to see how we were going to respond after playing a long five set match the night before. Once again, our opponent came out firing and rode the support of their loud crowd to a first set victory. After that we responded, by quieting their crowd and taking control of the match.  We went on to beat Mason in four sets.

After a long month away, we finally return home to Rec Hall this weekend. Our countless number of hours spent on the bus seemed to take its toll on our bodies, and we will enjoy not having to travel for a week. As much I love being cooped up on a bus with the guys for hours upon hours, I can safely say I will never have to endure a bus ride again! It's been fun experiencing snowstorms, broken down busses, and nauseating smells from the back of the bus for the past four years, but I can't say I will miss it. However, I am saddened to say that I will no longer be greeted by or hear Kurt, our bus driver's motivational speeches as he has kick started our journey to many victories.

I look forward to seeing all your faces in Rec Hall. Until next time...

Ryan Wolf #14

Greetings once again from the road!

We are headed North on Route 15 back to PA from Fairfax, VA where the Nittany Lions defeated the George Mason Patriots 21-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20 to move to 11-0 in the EIVA. Today Harvard defeated NJIT which puts them currently in second place in the EIVA with a record of 8-2. The Nittany Lion magic number is 2: any combination of Nittany Lion wins and/or Harvard losses will clinch the EIVA top seed for us. Since we host Sacred Heart and Harvard next weekend we are looking to clinch then!

Tonight's match against the Patriots had me concerned about our recovery from last night's five gamer against Princeton. It seems like we have been running on fumes and we were back on the bus this morning at 11:30 AM for the three-and-a-half hour trip to Fairfax. The Patriots had returned last weekend from their spring break trip to the west coast but had defeated Saint Francis yesterday in four games. I was hoping they would be feeling the effects of their travel but their scores against SFU indicated nothing of the sort.

We rolled into Fairfax about 3:30 PM and stopped for a pre-game meal at Jason's Deli. Our trainer extraordinaire, Kelly Saxton, gave the Deli her blessing as a great place for a pre-game meal...besides, it offered free ice cream. I was in!

We headed to the gym and managed to get 45 minutes of passing and serving and the guys seemed to be in great spirits and ready to play. In GMU's new Recreation and Athletic Center, the volleyball gym is well lit (a bright contrast from Dillon Gym at Princeton) and a great facility in which to compete.

Game one began with GMU seemingly blocking everything at which we tried to swing! With GMU up 10-13 they had already recorded five blocks! Our offense just didn't have any pop and we certainly weren't giving GMU much to worry about. The best we could do was to get to 19-22 but GMU wouldn't let us get any closer and a Mason kill gave them game one 21-25. Mason stuffed seven balls in game one. My concern about recovery after last night's match seemed accurate.

Game two began with PSU gaining a 5-1 lead. We stretched it to 15-8 with a solid sideout game and we were starting to create opportunities with our serving and blocking that we were finishing with our transition game. The closest Mason could get was 23-18. An Aaron Russell kill ended the game 25-19 and tied the match at one game apiece.

Game three had the Nittany Lions pick up right where we left off in game two. Our blockers were forcing GMU in altering their shots and our defense was doing a great job picking them up and we were putting them away. All of sudden the lethargy of the first half of game one was completely gone. It was replaced with a very enthusiastic energy that kept us dictating to the GMU crowd their silence and the Nittany Lion faithful in attendance kept their support loud and often. It appeared that we were carrying our crowd with us. We found ourselves up 20-13 and not allowing Mason to mount any type of sustained effort put us up 24-16 when a Sunder kill ended game three 25-16.

Game fours always make me apprehensive on the road. If we take too much for granted we could be in a game five with a revitalized GMU team and crowd. We needed to keep doing what we were doing. We reminded the team that 10-10 was a good score for the first twenty points and just keep the pressure on them with our serving and passing. Well, we were at 11-11 when things started to unravel for the Patriots. It all started with a very poor pass by us which we had to desperately throw back over the net. We threw it high but it was only five feet off the net. It was an overpass that had GMU salivating...until the GMU hitter miss-timed his swing and hit it straight down - on his side of the net! This hitting error was followed by two more GMU hitting errors and we had separation at 14-11. That was all we needed as GMU would come no closer. At 24-20, a GMU serving error closed out the match 25-20.

We have finished our seven game road trip at 5-2. 5-0 in EIVA road matches and can clinch hosting the EIVA semifinals and finals next weekend! Our guys found some revitalizing formula somewhere in game one. Jace Olsen entered the game and gave us good passing and delivered some key kills but he certainly brought his own brand of energy. Match leaders for the Nittany Lions were Aaron Russell (Kills - 12; Blocks - 5), Olsen (Kills - 12), Goas (Blocks - 5; Aces - 3) and Sunder and Curry (Digs - 11). PSU out-hit GMU .76 to .194; out-blocked them 9 to 8 (remember they had seven in game one!); out-dug them 38 to 33 while both teams served five aces!

One of the best things about the Princeton - GMU road trip is the number of PSU MVB alums who make the trek to either gym. Last night in Dillon Gym we had visits from Bo Hunkins and four of five his boys. We saw Jose Rubayo and Fred Gozum. Tonight it was Jay Stauffer, Ricky Mattei , Marcus Neumann and John "Griz" Philips to name but a few! Thanks to all who manage to greet us in gyms across the country in Blue-and-White. We truly appreciate your support!

Now we get to enjoy the friendly confines of Rec Hall for next weekend's matches against Sacred Heart and Harvard. It would be great to have a big crowd to help us clinch the 2012 EIVA regular season championship! We'll get the guys some rest this week and have them ready to go next weekend!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

All the best,

Pav, Colin, Jay and the guys

Greetings once again from 95 South!

We are heading down to George Mason after a great five game match at Princeton last evening which we managed to pull out 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 37-35, 15-12!

It was a match that had everything a fan would want to see and certainly every emotion a fan would want to experience...and it didn't matter which team that fan supported. This match had great personal and collective efforts. It had stretches of great volleyball and moments of great controversy but more than anything else it had a team which showed it claws and bared its fangs when they realized we weren't playing great. Princeton didn't go away; in fact, they kept the pressure on us through most of the match.

Game one started like so many of our matches at Dillon Gym. We had a good many PSU faithful in the stands and the Nittany Lions with a 9-5 lead that forced a Princeton timeout. Princeton closed to 17-13 but then three PSU hitting errors made it 17-16. Princeton tied it at 21 but two more hitting errors by the Nittany Lions gave Princeton a 23-21 lead. Sideouts were exchanged with the final sideout belonging to Princeton for a 23-25 win. Game one leaders for PSU were Aaron Russell (Kills - 5; Aces - 1), Goodell and Peter Russell (Blocks - 1) and Curry (Digs - 5). PSU hit .212 while Princeton hit .429.

Game two had PSU up 6-3 on Princeton's first timeout. The Tigers tied it at 12. A Goas overpass kill from a Turko serve made it 18-16. That was the separation we needed as the teams traded sideouts and a Tiger serving error gave PSU game two 25-22. Leaders for the Nittany Lions were Comfort (Kills - 6) Peter Russell (Blocks - 1; Aces - 1), Goas (Blocks - 1) and Curry (Digs - 4). PSU hit .320 while the Tigers hit .269.

Game three once again had Princeton take the first timeout as we were up 8-4. Once again, like a bad movie that you've seen on every cable movie channel at 1 AM, Princeton tied and went ahead 15-14. PSU went up 22-21 on a Peter Russell kill but then two Princeton blocks plus a PSU hitting error gave them the 22-24 lead. A Comfort kill gave us the serve at 23-24 and we dug a ball but Princeton stuffed our swing to tie for a 23-25 win. Game three PSU leaders were Comfort (Kills - 4), Aaron Russell (Blocks - 1), Turko (Aces - 1) and Curry (Digs - 6). PSU hit .077 while Princeton hit .276.

Game four's first timeout was taken by - guess who - Princeton! Yep, they were down 8-5. Kinda getting the "been there, done that" feeling yet? You no doubt knew that the score would be tied at 14! Neither team could pull away. From that point on the game was tied twenty more times! Princeton served at 23-24 but a Sunder kill fought off the first of what was to be eight match points. Sunder put away five of the eight. PSU had one game point early at 25-24 after a Russell kill but the Tigers fought back to the advantage and held it from that point on the game was tied twenty more times! Princeton served at 23-24 but a Sunder kill fought off the first of what was to be eight match points. Sunder put away five of the eight. PSU had one game point early at 25-24 after a Russell kill but the Tigers fought back to the advantage and held it until a Goodell/Turko stuff gave PSU the advantage at 34-33. Then Sunder came through one more time at 36-35 with a kill to force a game five with a 37-35 game four win! Leaders for PSU were Sunder (Kills - 14; Aces - 1), Goodell, Goas, Aaron Russell and Turko (Blocks - 1) and Olsen (Digs - 4). PSU hit .288 while Princeton hit .349.

Game five once again had PSU gain the early advantage as Jace Olsen started serving. Jace started us off with a 6e as Jace Olsen started serving. Jace started us off with a 6-0 lead aided by -0 lead aided by three Princeton hitting errors, an ace and two Sunder kills. "Great, "I remember thinking sarcastically as Princeton called timeout at 4-0, "Princeton has us right where they want us!"  The guys were the ones reminding each other that it was far from over before I could. Princeton, true to form, brought it back to 10-8 on a PSU hitting error, but an Olsen kill gave the serve to Turko who responded with an ace. The next Princeton swing sailed wide and PSU had a 13-8 lead! The teams traded sideouts for a 14-10 score, but, as Lee Corso, ESPN College Football talking head would say, "Not so fast, my friends!" A Princeton kill gave them the serve at 14-11. They then stuffed our first swing and then our next swing to make it 14-12. In our timeout, Edgardo had the offense spelled out. He then went out and delivered a great set to Aaron Russell off of a tight pass which Aaron planted for the 15-12 win! Game five Nittany Lion leaders were Aaron Russell (Kills - 3), Turko (Aces - 1) and Curry (Digs - 3). PSU hit .286 while Princeton hit .111.

It was a match that was easy to see what we didn't do well but it was the first EIVA match in about six or seven years that we came back to force a game five and win it. Recently, at least in the last five years or so, we had lost similar matches in similar situations in four games. Last night we just competed. It seemed we finally relaxed when we were in the extended part of game four. At that time we went back to just doing what we needed to do without trying to do more.  Three outstanding efforts deserve special mention. Jace Olsen came off the bench and handled the Princeton float serves as only he can. He had a couple of crucial kills and digs but Jace's six serves to start game five off really gave us the jump we were looking for! Connor Curry had a personal high of 21 digs. The vast majority of them were settable leading to point scoring opportunities. He made some tough digs and his passing was solid. Then, there was Joe Sunder. Joe was hitting .048 after game three, but then he delivered the most clutch performance of his year with 14 kills in game four! And five of those to fend off match points! Joe hit .524 in game four when his team needed him the most for the longest stretch! Match leaders for PSU were Sunder (Kills - 25; Points - 26), Goodell, Goas and the brothers Russell (Blocks - 2), Turko (Aces - 2) and Curry (Digs - 21). Princeton out-hit us .299 to .227 (but we out-killed them 77 to 63) and out-blocked us 15.5 to 6.5. We out-aced them 7 to 2 and out-dug them 43 to 33.

This was a great EIVA match! I have no doubt that Princeton will be giving us all we can handle in another year or so. They are young and talented and will be fun to play.  Coach Sam Shweisky is doing all the right things and if he can warrant a little more administrative support for the team they will be making a lot of noise. Between them and Harvard the EIVA is starting to develop some young talent. We must be ready for some serious barn-burners in upcoming years...and certainly in the upcoming weeks as the EIVA playoffs take shape. So, if you missed this one you missed a good one! Now we have GMU. They are sitting in the fourth and final playoff spot and no doubt they will be as desperate as Princeton was against us. It'll be a typical Patriot - Nittany Lion match: closely fought with a wild crowd. Can it be any more fun?? I'll fill you in on the way back home tonight!

All the best,

Pav, Colin, Jay and the guys

Greetings from the second seat behind the bus driver!

We are headed southwest from Princeton to Fairfax to take on GMU tonight. I apologize for the absence of my updates over the past three weeks. I wish I could claim jet lag but even I have recovered from our spring break trip. So allow me to update you on our team's last three weeks.

Our Spring Break trip to Pepperdine and USC was a disappointment results-wise. We lost a tough five game match at Pepperdine where we suffered through our worst serving match in a long time. If any part of your game is off against a Marv Dunphy Waves team it'll cost you. It certainly did us; however, when you look at the fact that in game five we were down 8-10 I thought we certainly had the opportunity to win it. However, the next night against USC we went down in flames as the Trojans swept us. Our offense was not very good. We were creating scoring opportunities but couldn't make enough count against a tough Trojan block and defense. The more opportunities we created the more we pressed to score and the worst our offense became.  We came away from those two matches convinced that we could serve and pass with anyone but our transition game needed work.

It was great to see Marv Dunphy and his Pepperdine staff and Bill Ferguson and his USC staff. The coaching fraternity in the men's game is awesome. We all want to win badly but after that final point goes down there is such respect and genuine friendship which puts the competition into a very healthy realm!

We flew back to State College on Saturday, March 10 so not only did we lose the three hours coming back east but we also lost another hour due to Daylight Savings Time change. At 51, I am finding those lost hours take a toll on me more so than they did ten to fifteen years ago.  I need those hours!

The next weekend we travelled up the mountain to Loretto, PA to Saint Francis University. This match completed our first half of the EIVA schedule. SFU was proving to be a very good blocking team and I was hoping we would be recovered from the west coast trip. We ended up sweeping them and did it with good serving and defense. Our work in our transition game paid off handsomely as we were getting some outstanding swings in point scoring opportunities. We had successfully navigated the first half of the EIVA season with a 7-0 record.

We then took to the road again. Last weekend we headed out to Newark, NJ to take on NJIT and Rutgers-Newark. We defeated NJIT in four games but they have shown improvement since we last saw them at Rec Hall in early February. It was the first time many of our guys have played in their gym. It is a smaller gym with ceiling trusses that run parallel to the net. So there are areas above your court where care must be taken to keep a ball under control. But we took care of the Highlanders and headed to Tops Diner. Tops was introduced to us by long-time friend Ron Larsen when he coached Rutgers-Newark. It has been a regular stop for a number of years now.

The next day we faced Rutgers-Newark. They had a coaching change late in the summer and had only eight guys on the roster. After their spring break they were down to seven as one of the guys had been hit by a car while home for the break. We played well enough to get the win and we headed back to State College.

We seem to be stuck in a mid-season slump. Not a terrible slump but one that shows sign of fatigue. Don't get me wrong. We are getting very good effort from this team but we aren't quite executing with deadly precision. We will keep working on that and I'll not throw in a 3 week delay on the updates again this year!

All the best,

Pav, Colin, Jay and the guys

Spring Practice One:


Spring Practice Two:


Spring Practice Three:

The Nittany Lions return to the practice field on Monday for spring practice four.

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By Jackson Thibodeau, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After a back-and-forth first half, a goal scored just seven seconds into the third quarter sparked an offensive streak that led the Penn State men's lacrosse team to a win over Villanova on Saturday.

Junior midfielder Danny Henneghan (Beverly Hills, Mich.) secured the opening faceoff in the third quarter, charged down the field and dished a pass to sophomore Gavin Ahern (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) who dumped the ball into the net.

"We haven't been a real second half team all season," said goalkeeper Austin Kaut (Morton, Pa.). "We really needed to come out with energy and click on all cylinders and that's what we did."

Kaut had a superb outing, tallying 17 saves. The sophomore entered Saturday's contest with an impressive .600 save percentage, which is ranked sixth in the nation.

"Austin was awesome today," said sophomore attack Shane Sturgis (Downingtown, Pa.), who scored two goals and tallied an assist against the Wildcats. "If you shoot from the outside, not many goals are going to go in against him."

Forcing shots from the outside was exactly what Coach Tambroni and the Nittany Lions planned to do heading into the game.

Tambroni stressed to his team that they would be in good shape if they didn't allow inside looks, which is something they allowed a lot of in last week's loss to Bucknell.

Kaut wasn't alone in his efforts to quiet Villanova's high-powered offense. Physical play from the defense contributed to 13 clears, seven forced turnovers, and 28 ground balls secured - all of which aided the goalie in his impressive outing.

The tough defensive play was reflected on the other side of the field, as clears and turnovers provided the offense with transition opportunities.

"Any time we can get transition goals is a plus for us," said senior midfielder Ryan Link (Englewood, Colo.). "It gives our defense some time to rest and gives our offense a good opportunity to put goals on the board."

Link gets a taste of both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The midfielder switches between a long pole and a short pole several times throughout games.

The senior forced two turnovers and secured three ground balls in the contest against Villanova.

Penn State's offensive firepower was distributed evenly against the Wildcats, as nine different Nittany Lions were credited with a point in the game.

Seniors Matthew Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.) and Jack Forster (Jenkintown, Pa.) were atop the scoring list for the Nittany Lions, each registering five points.

"I think the offense shared possession and responsibility today," said Tambroni. "We never got away from the game plan and that allowed us to meticulously go through the game and secure a win."

Saturday's game served as the final non-conference game of the season for Penn State. The team will now enter the heart of their conference schedule, facing four-straight CAA opponents to close out the regular season.

"We needed a win like this heading into conference play to get our momentum back," said Forster.

Penn State will travel to Philadelphia next Saturday to take on Drexel. Faceoff is set for 2 p.m.