Jan. 9, 2004

HONOLULU - Facing 2003 NCAA semifinalist Penn State in its season opener, Lewis displayed some of the form that led them to the NCAA Tournament last spring. The Flyers (1-0) bested the Nittany Lions (1-1) in four games, 24-30, 30-27, 30-28, 30-22.

With senior All-America setter J.R. Martins out with flu-like symptoms, sophomore Brandon Sisk assumed control of the offense and filled in admirably. Sisk dished out 36 assists and added six digs and four blocks, while running the offense at a .286 clip.

Sisk's primary target was two-time All-America opposite, Fabiano Barreto. Barretto, who sat out Thursday's loss to Manitoba, had 20 kills, hitting .350, to lead the Flyers. He took 40 of the team's 122 attack attempts.

"I was a little worried how Fabiano would react to Brandon," said Deuser. "He's not used to Brandon, and it was important that Fabiano carried the load."

Freshman Jon Bergmann earned his first collegiate start and gave the team a viable second option. He had 11 kills, hit .350 and was in on two of the Flyers' 11 blocks.

Lewis will face tournament host Hawaii in the final match of the Outrigger Invitational at 11:30 p.m. CST Jan. 10.