Penn State sweeps George Mason, stays perfect in EIVA

Story posted February 28, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Zech Lambert

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State’s big three of Cal Fisher, Henrik Falck Lauten and Brett Wildman came to play once again for the Nittany Lions.The trio combined for 36 kills as Penn State flexed its muscles against George Mason and stayed perfect in EIVA play, recording its fourth sweep during that stretch.

Penn State had its way against the Patriots, and none of the three sets were ever really in question.

“It’s a special group. I think they’re capable of special things,” Penn State coach Mark Pavlick said.

Reigning EIVA offensive player of the week Fisher showed no signs of slowing down Friday night. Four kills in the first set for Fisher helped Penn State jump out to an early 20-11 lead, and eventually a 25-19 win. Fisher ended the game with a team best 16 kills.

“Cole [Bogner] has been laying them up there for me,” Fisher said when asked what has been going right for him lately.

Falck Lauten had three kills in the first set, but left his biggest mark on the second set. The redshirt senior had six kills on nine attempts and a block. He helped lead Penn State to a 25-20 win in the second set.

While this trio racked up the kills on offense, they showed out on the defensive end too. Wildman added five digs, while Fisher and Flack Lauten added four and two, respectively. Fisher and Falck Lauten also added three and four blocks, respectively.

Cole Bogner also added a game-high 33 assists, while Sam Marsh chipped in with eight blocks and Jason Donorovich tacked on a season high five service aces.

George Mason’s Sam Greenslade did everything he could to keep the Patriots in the game, with a team high 11 kills, but Penn State proved too tough.

Penn State came out in the third set gunning for the sweep and handled the Patriots easily, taking the set 25-16. This set marked the third straight sweep for Penn State. Penn State has also won 12 straight sets, dating back to their Feb. 21 match against Sacred Heart.

“I’m glad we can get out of here in three straight so we didn’t prolong the agony too much,” George Mason Coach Jay Hosack said.

The Nittany Lions be right back at it Saturday and host EIVA foe University of Charleston at Rec Hall South Gym, looking to stay perfect in the conference.

 

 

Zech Lambert is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zbl5146@psu.edu.