With the EIVA still up for grabs, Penn State men’s volleyball is making every match count. As the season enters its final stretch, the Nittany Lions need to attack every point with a purpose to continue finding success.

Penn State will head to Fairfax, Virginia, on Friday for a matchup with George Mason and will consequently deal with one of the most rambunctious atmospheres in men’s college volleyball. 

The Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) has a unique ability to contain noise. The situation of the bleachers in relation to the courts poses a difficult and imposing environment for any team who dares enter.

Head coach Mark Pavlik is quite familiar with the challenge his team will need to put up with as it aims to climb in the standings.

“Sound just reverberates for our matches with them. It’s always amazing,” he said. 

Whenever the Nittany Lions take the court at George Mason, they are bound to hear banter and jabs from the fans, as well as the opposing players. The matchup has had rivalry designation since the 1980s when the two schools accounted for nine out of 10 conference titles that decade. 

Pavlik warned his team not to engage in any trash talk or sarcastic remarks. He believes that to achieve the desired result, his players must maintain a sense of maturity and composure. He emphasized that instead of thinking about a witty comeback, just focus on the next play.

“Let’s not worry about what they’re doing on the other side of the net from an emotional standpoint,” Pavlik said. “Let’s worry about what we can control on our side.”

This isn’t the first time this season Penn State will need to overcome adversity regarding intimidation tactics. In the Sacred Heart series, the music to Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400” played in mockery of the Nittany Lions, while members of the Pioneer team let out an excess of emotion and noise after points. 

While Pavlik doesn’t diminish the effect this can have on the game, he does promote the attention of his players to be focused elsewhere.

“There’s a competitive element that I understand, but let’s not make that the sole focus of why we’re out here,” he said. “I’d much rather lose the insult game than the match.”

There’s no doubt that the Nittany Lions have expressive players on their roster as well, Gaige Gabriel being a prominent one. Having the ability to demonstrate passion while also showing respect and strength in character is what the Penn State men’s volleyball brand is about. The blue and white will go into Friday’s game with this competitive mindset and set itself up with a chance to thrive.

Though George Mason and Penn State share a disdain for one another on the court, one unique thing about the rivalry is how the fan bases leave all their emotions in the venue. No matter how much students and alumni may try to get in the heads of opposing players, there is a mutual respect that the programs hold.

“There’s just a very healthy rivalry. They want their team to win. We want to win,” Pavlik said.