By Sean Flanery, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After stringing together back-to-back wins at home versus Saint Francis University (Pa.) and at Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively, Penn State (10-23, 1-7 Big Ten) will remain on the road to attempt to win three games in a row for the first time this season.

"It's nice," said senior infielder Alyssa Renwick. "Definitely key to get the win at home and then turn around and get a win on the road. It's good to just start off a win streak on the road in general. We just talked before the game yesterday [Tuesday] and said we had 19 games left and just focus on the 19 games we have left, put all the previous ones behind us and do what we can the rest of the season."

So far, the Nittany Lions have done exactly that taking head coach Robin Petrini's speech to heart.

"It helped," said Renwick. "I think at this point we just have to relax. We still feel the pressure to do well and to start a streak, but it was just kind of a reminder that the record, there's nothing we can do about it at this point."

Prior to Tuesday's pregame speech, the Lions held an 8-23 record, but since have recorded back-to-back wins, during which they have registered 15 runs, which included an 11-run explosion at Pittsburgh Wednesday afternoon. During its two-game winning streak, Penn State has also tallied 20 hits, with 13 coming in Wednesday afternoon's game.

However, the hits haven't come easily all season, but senior infielder Kailyn Johnson, who was responsible for three hits and five runs-batted-in during Wednesday's game, believes the team has been making solid contact all season, but the ball is just now starting to find the gaps.

"I don't know if there was much of a difference [Wednesday]," said Johnson. "I think it was us just continuing to do the same things and making adjustments. Yeah, definitely plenty of balls dropped today."

While the Nittany Lions hope to continue their offensive hot streak, they will be tested this weekend on the road in a three-game series with a very talented Ohio State (23-14, 3-6 Big Ten) squad. The Buckeyes, like the Lions, have also played Indiana and Michigan so far this year in conference play posting a slightly better mark at 2-4 than that of Penn State's at 1-5.

One key for Penn State in this series will be in the circle. The Buckeyes, like Penn State, have a very potent offense and is capable of scoring in bunches. However, the Nittany Lion pitching staff has come around in recent weeks posting great numbers including a shutout in the team's lone Big Ten win.

Great pitching coupled with the hot bats the Lions have going during their current winning streak could be just the recipe the team needs to strike for a few more conference wins this weekend. Penn State and Ohio State will begin their three-game series this Friday evening with the first pitch being thrown at 6 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio. 

By Matt Allibone, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa- Gymnastics may be considered a sport for individuals, but ask Penn State head coach Randy Jepson what has fueled his team this season and he'll tell you it's their team first attitude.

Over of the course of not just the 2013 season, but also the last four years, few have embodied that spirit quite like seniors Tony Beck and Mackenzie Dow have.

"They're all about getting it done for the team and they're not willing to take a backseat to anybody," said Jepson. "You need that kind of hunger on your team and they both have that."

For Beck and Dow, putting the team first has meant doing whatever has been asked of them whether that has meant filling in spots or letting others step in to give the Nittany Lions their best chance to win.

One of the most versatile gymnasts on the squad, Dow's ability to compete on pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar has turned him into one of Jepson's most reliable performers.

"I've always been more team oriented because I knew that we could accomplish more as a team than I could as an individual," said Dow. "I try to do as many events as I can so that I can lead by example."

The biggest aspect of Dow's leadership is his extremely strong work ethic that often has him being one of the first men in the gym and one of the last to leave.

"Mackenzie is not only a hard worker but a guy with a lot of passion for the team," said Beck. "He's a guy we can always count on to be consistent and get the job done."  

Beck is another gymnast who has been lauded by coaches and teammates alike for his dedication, as well as his willingness to put his teammates above himself.

One of the most consistent performers in the Penn State high bar lineup, Beck has seen less time on his other events, such as the pommel horse, since an NCAA rule change has limited each team to only five performers on each event.

Despite having less mat time, Beck has not let his attitude change and has remained one of the Nittany Lions strongest leaders.

"I would like to do more events but it's all about the team and you just have to do what you can to help," said Beck. "I've been pretty consistent on high bar and that's my major contribution."

With their final season drawing to a close, the pair of seniors stated that any personal goals they could have are the last thing on their minds. At this point, all that matters to them is that the Nittany Lions cap off a year that started with an undefeated regular season by capturing a national title.

"It doesn't matter whether or not I'm an All-American, said Beck. "I just want to do my job to help this team win a title. College gymnastics is about the team race and that is my main focus."

Their shared desire to put the team over themselves is not the only thing that Beck and Dow have in common.

According to Dow, the two share a similar attitude and a desire to push each other to reach their potential.

"Tony and I are a lot alike in the way we grind through stuff," said Dow. "We're both pretty stubborn and we're always pushing each other on high bar and pommel horse."

Not only does Jepson love the work ethic that the two seniors bring to the team, he appreciates the humility that the pair has shown.

"When they say they're about the team they really mean it and they want to do their best for each other," said Jepson. "They're both tough competitors and I can always count on them to gut out a big routine."

With their final chance at a national championship nearly upon them, Beck and Dow have taken the time to reflect on the camaraderie they have established with their fellow seniors, and how much they will miss it once the season is over.

"These guys have been like my brothers," said Beck. "I know I can always count on these guys and it's going to be sad to leave them."

--NITTANY LIONS--

By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State sophomore pitcher T.J. Jann refused to quit after being informed by doctors in 2011 that his baseball career may be over following complications from Tommy John Surgery.

The Westford, Mass. native battled two surgeries and two years of rehab before returning to the mound and earning the role of Friday night starter in 2013.

"It's pretty unbelievable being in the situation that I'm in right now given two years ago doctors told me that I would probably never play baseball again," said Jann.  "The fact that I worked as hard as I did over the last two years, it shows that hard work pays off."

Jann made his collegiate debut during the opening weekend of the 2011 season against Notre Dame, throwing one and two-thirds innings without allowing a hit, before being shut down due to an elbow injury known all-too-well by pitchers throughout baseball. 

After his outing on Feb. 20, 2011 the right-hander would require Tommy John Surgery to repair the damage.

The main risk associated with the procedure includes damage to the ulnar nerve and in Jann's case the nerve was severed and required a second surgery.  He was later informed by doctors that his baseball career could be over, but Jann was unfazed.

He worked tirelessly through two years of rehabilitation and could not have done it without the support of his family and his girlfriend during one of the toughest periods of his life.

"My dad has always been there for me and so has my mom, my sister, and my girlfriend," said Jann.  "They saw me go through the worst part [during and after the surgery] and it was great to have their support."

In the end, Jann persevered.  After redshirting in 2012, Jann returned to the mound on Feb. 24, 2013 at Liberty, but taking the mound after a two-year absence was not easy and, though Jann struggled early, his confidence has grown with every outing.

"I think [my confidence] builds every time I go out there," said Jann.  "I haven't played in two years, so every time it's like a stepping stone for me."

One of the challenges Jann faced earlier in the season was adapting to his injury.  In high school, Jann mastered the fastball-changeup combination, but after severing his nerve, he has been unable to emulate the changeup he once threw.

"I've always been a big fastball-changeup guy," said Jann.  "After my surgery I have very limited feeling in my hand, so I can't throw the exact same changeup I used to throw."

Jann adjusted by using his curveball more often and recently added a slider to his arsenal.

"I'm more [reliant] on my curveball now and I worked with coach Bell and he has given me a slider to add to my repertoire," said Jann.  "I've actually used [the slider] a lot more lately than I ever have before."

He earned his first victory pitching four and one-third innings of relief against Houston Baptist, allowing just one run on two hits.  Head coach Robbie Wine elected Jann as the Friday night starter two weeks later at No. 22 Indiana.

"Coach Wine gave me the opportunity to pitch on Friday night and I'm more than ecstatic to have that opportunity," said Jann.

Stepping onto Medlar Field in front of the home crowd on a Friday night is an incredible experience and Jann has embraced it emphatically.

"It's really exciting pitching under the lights with the fans cheering for you," said Jann.  "You get that little extra adrenaline."

His most recent start against Wright State was arguably his best thus far.  The sophomore right-hander threw seven and one-third innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits.  He recorded three strikeouts and didn't walk a batter before leaving to an ovation from the crowd.

The slider was key to Jann's success and is an added bonus considering his favorite player in the Major Leagues is legendary Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who throws a pitch similar to the Jann's slider known as a cut fastball.  Jann hopes to develop a cutter during his career.

"Mariano Rivera has always been my idol and when coach Bell actually showed me how to throw a slider, [Rivera's cut fastball] is what I envision," said Jann.  "My dad always wanted me to throw a cutter, so I think maybe this could be a stepping stone towards it."

Jann's experience is similar to the challenges he and his teammates have battled this season.  Though the Nittany Lions have faced a lot of adversity early, Jann believes they can compete with anyone in the country. 

"I think everyone's pulling for each other," said Jann.  "I think this team can be as good as any team because we all have each others' backs and we're all willing to work hard."

Jann will take the mound on Friday at Michigan (17-14, 4-2 Big Ten) with game time slated for 4:05 p.m. as Penn State looks to ride the momentum of a two-game winning streak into Ann Arbor.

--NITTANY LIONS--

By Sean Flanery, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - On what was one of the nicest days in State College so far this year, it was only fitting that one Nittany Lions would join history in the team's 4-1 victory over Saint Francis University (Pa.) on Tuesday night at Beard Field.

The stage was set. With one out and nobody on for the Lions in the bottom of the first, Penn State senior outfielder Cassidy Bell stepped into the box. With the first pitch missing just a bit inside, Bell noticed right away that the opposing pitcher was making a mistake.

"They were coming in on me and normally people don't," said Bell. "I was just excited that they were coming in. So, they were just throwing it in there and at first I didn't think it was going to go over, but it did. I'll take it."

On a 1-0 count, the senior connected on an inside pitch that cleared the wall in right field bringing her homerun count to 16 on the season. Her 16 homeruns this season place her atop the single-season homerun record list along with Jennifer Tripken, who blasted 16 homeruns for the Blue and White in 2002.

"Every time Cassidy steps up to the plate she swings so hard, she gives you a chance," said Penn State head coach Robin Petrini. "She's one of the top-50 players in the country and there's a reason for that. If she wanted to go to the WPF [Women's Professional Fast pitch] then she would have been drafted, but she wants to play in Italy. I mean she's a complete player."

The phrase 'complete player' only begins to describe Bell's success in the Blue and White this season and throughout her career. Her .462 season batting average ranks right at the top of the Penn State record book right along with her .351 career average. The homerun Bell blasted in Tuesday night's affair also brought her career total to 33, which is just one shy of tying the career record as well.

"If you think about it then it's not going to get done," said Bell. "I know I'm close to a few records, but I'm not thinking about it. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, playing out the year and maybe break a few, or a couple. Whatever happens, happens."

However, teams are beginning to catch on to just how dangerous Bell is when she digs her cleats in at the plate. In her second at-bat of the game, Saint Francis pitcher Keterah Devries showed no hesitation in intentionally walking the Penn State star, bringing the number to 10 intentional walks for Bell on the season.

"I'm getting used to it now," said Bell. "I feel like that's just going to be the strategy from here on out. That just means that it gives someone else an opportunity. Like, Macy [Jones] today when she hit the homerun."

With a player of Bell's caliber in the lineup, it works to the Nittany Lions' advantage as long as the players behind her step up with big hits, which has been happening of late for the Blue and White. Penn State (10-23) tallied its second-straight mid-week win with an 11-7 triumph over Pittsburgh on Wednesday before rain in Western Pennsylvania cut the doubleheader short.  

By Michael Renahan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Nittany Lions dominated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 16-3, in their first of three games at home over the next week. The win marks Penn State's 22^nd win in a row against the Mountain Hawks and makes the team 5-0 at home for the first time since 1991.

The Nittany Lions opened up the scoring 70 seconds into the first half when Mackenzie Cyr beat Lehigh goalkeeper Alex Fitzpatrick with a high corner shot. The team would score four goals in a row over the first eight minutes against Lehigh. When the half was over, Penn State held a commanding 8-1 lead.

With 49 seconds remaining in the first half, the game was stopped due to lightening. The teams moved across the street to Holuba Hall to finish the match.  There was about a 15 minute stoppage of play, but this had no effect on the Nittany Lions (8-4, 2-1), they would outscore the Mountain Hawks (3-11, 1-4) 8-3 inside Holuba.

The 16 goals gives the Nittany Lions 81 goals this season through the first give games at home, the highest under head coach Missy Doherty since her arrival three years ago.

"We wanted to come in with a good plan today, and they did a really good job of that. We knew this [change of venue] might happen, given the weather, and it's just nice to be at a place where we can move venues and not compromise the game," coach Missy Doherty said.

Mackenzie and Madison Cyr led the charge for the Nittany Lions throughout the game. Mackenzie netted two first half goals while her sister got two of her own in the second half. Madison also registered a game high four draw controls.

"I'm proud of her and I'm sure she's proud of me." Mackenzie Cyr said of her sister.

Penn State had 11 players score a goal in the rout, a season high. Seven players had two points or more. Maggie McCormick, Kelly Lechner and Ally Heavens each added two goals of their own and continued their stellar seasons.

McCormick registered her 50^th point of the season to pace the Nittany Lions through the first 12 games. She is one goal shy of tying her career-high of 29, which she set as a freshman last season.

After struggling against the Northwestern Wildcats in an 11-3 setback earlier this week, the Penn State offense got back into form. They outshot the Mountain Hawks 31-12 in the victory and scored ten in a row to clinch their eighth win of the season.  

"I think we were more composed as an attack, we were frantic against Northwestern," Madison Cyr said.

"They did really well. They went hard and took advantage of some situations and just did a good job of going to goal and just finishing their shots. We have a huge game coming up this Sunday with Ohio State, another conference game, so we just have to really have all hands on deck for that game and come out strong," Doherty said.

Sophomore Kristin Brent recorded her first goal of the season, much to the excitement of her teammates and coaches. The bench erupted once Brent beat Fitzpatrick with a corner shot. Along with Brent, freshman Erika Spilker also scored her first goal with just over a minute remaining in the game. The Nittany Lions had 23 players get significant playing time in the victory.

"It's exciting, I'm so excited for [Brent], she deserves it," Mackenzie Cyr said.

"All of our players played really well, and a game like this, you can really see the quality of athletes we have down the line so it was just really nice to see a lot of people get out there tonight," Doherty said.

The Nittany Lions continued their improved defensive play, frustrating Lehigh and limiting them to just three goals. The three goals marks the second lowest the Mountain Hawks have scored against an opponent this season.

Penn State forced Lehigh into 16 turnovers and grabbed four more groundballs while keeping the frustrated offense at bay.

Katie Guy continued her great defensive play forcing two turnovers and sophomore midfielder Erin McAfee had a career high three forced turnovers. Redshirt senior defender Colleen Shea, last week's ALC defensive player of the week, also forced a turnover and helped limit the Mountain Hawks.

"I just think we were more aggressive," Shea said.  "Today we were pressing out a lot and we really utilized our athleticism to our advantages today."

"[Earning ALC defensive player of the week] was great. Florida was a great game and it was really nice to get some recognition and, honestly, I have to give thanks to my teammates because you can't play defense by yourself and we did a great job as a unit," Shea said.

Prior to the game, Shea had a special moment. Her sister Kerry, a former Penn State lacrosse player, lives in England and was finally able to attend one of Shea's games. Before starters were announced, Shea's dad called her over and shocked her when her sister walked around the corner.

"It's really nice because I played with her for a year, but I didn't play then because I was a freshman, so this is the first time she has actually seen me play in college."

Emi Smith also had a nice game for the Nittany Lions. She allowed one goal during her 38 minutes in net. The freshman recorded four saves and grabbed her eighth win of the season.  Smith has improved throughout her first season with the team and looks better with each and every game she plays.

The Nittany Lions are back in action Sunday April 14 against ALC rival No. 21 Ohio State.  Penn State will celebrate its senior day against the Buckeyes. The game is set to begin at 1:05 p.m.

By Kyle Lucas, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State track and field team had a successful weekend at the Crimson Tide Invitational coming away with the women's team title and a third place finish by the men's team.

The event was highlighted by several strong performances by both the men and women's team. Sophomore Lauren Kenney started her season off with a bang launching a personal best of 176-11 in her first javelin throw of the meet. Kenney, who finished fourth in the javelin last year, ranks second in the nation after her performance at the invitational.

Brannon Kidder also started the season off strong. The freshmen notched a new PR in the 800 meters, clocking in at 1:47.71. His time is the second fastest time in the NCAA and currently leads the Big Ten.

Freshman Robbie Creese turned in a top 10 performance nationally in the 800 meters. Creese came in second at the invitational with a time of 1:48.98, just being edged out by Kidder.

Several other Nittany Lions turned in performances that have them ranked in the Track & Field Results Reporting System's top 25 nationally.

After this weekend's action the men's team is currently ranked No.19 in the nation. The women's team has yet to crack the top 25.

Men's Rankings

Women's Rankings

VIDEO: Bill O'Brien Addresses the Media - April 10

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - At this point during spring practice in 2012, the Nittany Lion players were amidst the challenge of trying to learn every facet of the intricate offensive and defensive systems head coach Bill O'Brien and the coaching staff were installing.

O'Brien likened the process to the players learning a new language.  The players were carrying binders and studying the playbook on their own at night as if football was an undergraduate course.

One year later, the process is night and day different for the Nittany Lions.  The comfort level and familiarity of the schemes have both contributed to a productive spring practice season up to this point.

"I think we have made a lot of progress, I really do," O'Brien said.  "I think these guys have a better feel for what we are doing.  They have played faster because they aren't thinking as much.  The quarterbacks have had to catch up to the other guys who have here for a while.  And I think they've tried to do that.  Again, our best players need to play well in the fall.  And we need to do a great job, especially me, of keeping them healthy."

At the heart of the offense and its growth is the quarterback.  Sophomores Steven Bench and Tyler Ferguson have split the reps exactly in half, with both players at 168 reps heading into Wednesday's 10th spring practice.  While Bench has been with the program since last summer, both players are new to being the guy running the offense with the first team.

Nonetheless, O'Brien said both Bench and Ferguson have done a nice job running what he called an expanded playbook from what it was last year during spring practice.

"We've expanded," O'Brien said.  "We have added more to our language.  I think the quarterbacks have adapted well to it.  I think it's all about how hard they work at learning it and how good of a job you do at teaching it.  And I think we have done a really good job of teaching it and they have done a good job of learning it."

It pays dividends for both quarterbacks to line up alongside a group of core offensive players who have played a lot of football, particularly Allen Robinson and the returning receivers.  Robinson said the receivers' knowledge of the routes and system play a big role in helping both quarterbacks progressing as the spring moves forward.

"It does help a lot because they know what the route is," O'Brien added.  "They can explain it to the quarterback, even after practice or on a Sunday when they are sitting around in a dorm.  They know what it means.  Instead of waiting for Coach O'Brien to explain it on Monday, they know what it means now.  That definitely helps."

O'Brien was asked on Wednesday why there was a need to expand the playbook after 2012, given the fact that the offensive will be directed by a first-time starter in 2013.

"Because the majority of your offense is a veteran offense," O'Brien said.  "Last year was a foundation of the offense.  We have to add more because our opponents have seen it for a year; we are a different team."

Leadership is a big piece of the puzzle for the growth process, as well.  Without question, the 2012 senior class was a unique group of leaders that may never be matched.  However, a strong offseason in the weight room and start to spring practice speaks volumes about the leadership the Nittany Lions will have in 2013.

"Just because those guys (from 2012) doesn't mean we are depleted in the leadership category," O'Brien said.  "We feel really good about guys that are back for us now.  It's a little bit different type of leadership group.  It's older guys.  It's medium guys, juniors and sophomores, and its younger guys.  We've got a bunch of kids that really enjoy practicing.  We think that we are going to be OK in the leadership department."

One thing that has stood out since spring practice began on March 18 is the team's willingness and enthusiasm about practicing hard.  Like the 2012 squad, the Nittany Lions walk onto the practice field wanting to get better every single day.  They enjoy practicing.

"What I love about this team are these kids," O'Brien said.  "These are fantastic individuals.  I've said that a million times and I said it last year, but I feel the same way about these guys."

Spring practice lays the groundwork for the fundamentals leading up to a season, but it's also a time to set the tone for team's work ethic.  Penn State has a roster hungry to take things to the next level in 2013, and it all starts with hard work.

"The players that played well last year are practicing really hard this year," O'Brien said.  "They guys that didn't play last year, a lot of those guys are much improved.  I feel like these guys are really focused on the 2013 season."

Follow GoPSUsports.com's Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach Bill O'Brien addresses the media prior to spring practice No. 10 on Wednesday afternoon.

Follow GoPSUsports.com's Tony Mancuso on Twitter @GoPSUTony

By Mike Esse, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Cody Lewis was warming up in the bullpen during the seventh inning before getting the nod from pitching coach Jason Bell to enter the game with a runner on second and nobody out. Quite the situation for someone with zero career saves.

Lewis knew he would be coming into a big situation, but had no idea that he would throw his first pitch with a 2-2 count. All he knew was the pitch that his pitching coach wanted and that his mission was to get three outs and not allow the runner on second to cross home plate.

"To be honest, I didn't even realize [the count was 2-2] until I got on the mound," said Lewis. "I went out there and [coach Bell] said 'let's throw a curveball to this guy' and I said 'alright let's do it'. That's pretty much it."

That mindset turned out to be beneficial for Lewis as he would then retire three straight batters to strand Kent State pinch runner Troy Summers on third and hold Penn State's one-run lead.

Lewis would then go on to retire six of the next seven Golden Flash hitters to notch his first career save and secure Penn State's second straight win, a 3-2 triumph.

The three inning performance from the redshirt senior is just a small sample of what head coach Robbie Wine is trying to get out of his players as they try to turn the page after a rough start to the season.

"That was exactly what we needed," said Wine. "These midweek games can be tough, but guys have to step up and Cody [Lewis] stepped up for us tonight."

After great outings from starter Nick Hedge and reliever Ian Parvin, Wine counted on his experienced senior to get the job done and he did exactly that.

The performances from all three Penn State pitchers, especially the three outs that Lewis got in the seventh, are something that motivate a Nittany Lion team that's in need of any momentum they can get. That momentum was big on Tuesday against a Kent State team that was in the College World Series just one year ago.

"It's just a huge boost for us," said freshman outfielder James Coates. "You have a runner on [base] and a 2-2 count and [Cody] comes in and gets a couple outs and no runs score, so you just want to do better for him after a performance like that."

Coates did exactly that in the ninth inning as Golden Flash catcher Jeff Revesz lined a Lewis fastball to deep left field and the freshman was there to make an acrobatic  running catch that preserved the Nittany Lion lead.

Lewis thanked his outfielder in the postgame media availability, but admitted he thought there was no chance Coates would get to the ball.

"The kid absolutely smoked [the pitch] and by the time I turned back and looked the ball was already to Coates. I thought it was going over his head and he made a great play on it and it pumped me up," said Lewis.

"We just had one more out to get the win. It was huge"

Wine and his team are now seeing, via plays like the one by Coates, that things are starting to turn their way. They have been making some of the big plays that earlier in the season avoided them and they are turning into wins.

For Lewis, it is pretty simple, this team just has to do their jobs and the wins will come and Tuesday night proved that.

"I did my job," said Lewis. "I did what I was supposed to do: hang zeroes and get outs."

--NITTANY LIONS--

By Michael Renahan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State Nittany Lions took the practice field Monday afternoon preparing for a three-game homestand starting Wednesday against Lehigh. It's the longest homestand of the 2013 season for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State (7-4, 2-1) returned from their 11-3 setback against the Northwestern Wildcats to blue skies and new focus for the final homestretch of the 2013 season.

The loss to Northwestern marks the first loss in American Lacrosse Conference play this season. The Nittany Lions battled hard, but we're unable to break down the defense of the No. 3 team in the nation.

"[The game] was alright. I think they dominated us defensively, I don't think our offense ever really got into a rhythm and I think some of our young players really learned a lot about a different style of defense," coach Missy Doherty said.

At practice Monday, the Nittany Lions continued to work on their defense. While they have grown as a unit this season, they continue to see improvements with each new drill.

Amidst the laughter and smiles during the drills, there was a sense of determination and confidence with five games remaining on the team's schedule. They face two conference opponents, Ohio State and Johns Hopkins, as well as Princeton, Lafayette and Lehigh.

The remaining teams Penn State faces have a combined record of 31-29 this season, but coach Missy Doherty is not overlooking any of the teams.

"We have five huge games left and we're kind of approaching that like a mini-season. I think every opponent we're going to play in these next five games is really going to bring their best to us, so we have to be ready to be consistent in these last five games and not approach any one game different than the next," Doherty said.

Their 2-1 record against conference opponents marks the best start under Doherty.  Penn State, currently No. 2 in the conference behind Northwestern, has yet to get over the three win mark against conference opponents since Doherty took over the program in 2010. The terrific start to this season has the players and coaches thinking they can do better than three conference wins.

The Nittany Lions have their next three games at home, where they have been dominant this season. Penn State's offense, currently ranked No. 10 in the nation, looks to get back on their feet after struggling against Northwestern. At home, they have outscored opponents 65-39 and have yet to lose this season. The team has outshot their opponents 122-83 as well, and took control of seven more draws.

On the other side of the field, Penn State has played its best defense in front of the home crowd. They have forced 60 turnovers on their home field and grabbed 12 more groundballs than the rest of their opponents combined. Senior defender Katie Guy currently ranks No. 19 in the nation with 1.82 caused turnovers per game.

Freshman goalkeeper Emi Smith has also played her best lacrosse at home in 2013. She has recorded 20 saves and her first career shutout earlier this season, against Bucknell.

"I think our team is competing, and we are young, so I've been pretty happy with the way they've come out and continued to get better.  I think Northwestern provided us some other opportunities to learn and grow and get some experience for our young team," Doherty said.

Heading into the season, the Nittany Lions had one of the youngest teams in the country. With the core of the team being made up of sophomores and freshmen, Penn State had to find their gel early and they did. Sophomores and freshman have been heavy contributors on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field.

As just a sophomore, Maggie McCormick is ranked No. 26 in the nation averaging 4.16 points per game. She leads the team with 26 goals and 20 assists. Along with McCormick, sophomores Kelly Lechner, and Tatum Coffey, as well as freshman Jenna Mosketti, have all accumulated over 15 points this season and continue to lead this young program into each game.

Penn State now turns its attention to a showdown with a struggling Lehigh team. The Nittany Lions look primed to get back to their winning ways against the Mountain Hawks. They average nearly double their goals per game, 15-7, and Lehigh comes into State College riding a three game losing streak and losing eight of their last nine.

The Mountain Hawks have only recorded three wins through the 2013 season, including a 1-3 start in Patriot League play. Penn State knows that while their opponent might be struggling, they cannot overlook them.

The Mountain Hawks have two players with over 20 goals this season and have won over 100 draws through their first 12 games. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Penn State Lacrosse field.

With a win the Penn State would tie its best start under Doherty in her three years, with eight wins in the first eleven games.  The weather is heating up in State College, and the Nittany Lions are hoping they can heat up as well and close out the 2013 season strong.

"It is nice. It's a nice day great to be out in the nice weather. Lacrosse should always be in this weather. We're glad to finally get it even if it's in April," Doherty said.