Two years ago the women's lacrosse team traveled to Virginia for a weekend doubleheader with the Lady Cavaliers and William & Mary. Penn State beat Virginia in a squeaker, then lost to William & Mary the next day.

History did not repeat itself over the weekend though, as the Lady Lions held off the Lady Indians, 8-5, on Saturday and defeated a determined Wahoo team, 12-8, yesterday.

"We expected things to happen," Coach Sue Scheetz said. "With the seniors, we remembered that second day letdown (from 1987) and were prepared not to let it happen again."

Even though the wins raised the No. 1 Lady Lions' record to 7-0, Penn State had to hold off surges by both teams to stay undefeated.

"I felt we maintained composure in some critical situations," Coach Sue Scheetz said. "Both games were different, (our opponents) used different strategies. Our defense was better than we have been."

The defense wasn't needed at the opening of yesterday's match in Charlottesville as the Lady Lions erupted for the first eight goals of the game. Diane Whipple finished off her hat-trick at the 3:00 mark, ending a string of goals by Tami Worley (3), Lee Clough and Anne Kolongowski. Worley scored again with 22 seconds left in the half and Penn State was rolling with a 9-2 lead.

"We came out like a house-of-fire," Scheetz said. "Virginia plays a deliberate slow offense and bided their time, but even then we had chances for shots on goal. But in the second half, it was sort of embers burning."

The Wahoo rally was led by Leslie Groff netting three goals in the second stanza, while Cynthia Mathis, Kristin Aceta and Percie Griffith balanced out Virginia's (No. 11, 5-2) scoring. The Wahoos' six goals in the second half doubled the Lady Lions' output.

After Saturday's game, Scheetz was concerned that the team might be a little tired and lacking aggressiveness. That proved true, but the lead was too much. Mary Ann Foley, Worley and Kolongowski each scored after a Virginia goal, securing the victory.

The team was boosted over the weekend by the play of Kolongowski, who continued her scoring efforts.

"Anne was a center in high school, so she has the capabilities," Scheetz said. "Their type of defense (Virginia) is one where you attack from the wings. Since she's played midfield and center, she can read the plays very well."

On Saturday, against the fifth-ranked Lady Indians (4-2), it was the veterans who helped spark the win. Christie McBride put the home team ahead just 2:54 into the game, before Clough and Whipple retaliated. The nip-and-tuck play continued when Cheryl Boehringer tied the score at two, but Clough's second goal at 17:06 left the Lady Lions clinging to a one-goal lead at halftime.

"We look to the seniors to settle the others and to pressure William & Mary," Scheetz said. "In the first half there were too many turnovers for either team to dominate. We knew we had to come out and work for the best play and good shots; not to telegraph passes."

At the start of the second half Scheetz was pleased that substitute Megan Smith came off the bench to score twice and up the margin to 5-2. At 36:04, Whipple took a pass from Clough, the team leader in assists, to continue the spree. Kolongowski and Worley added the finishing touches, before Boehringer completed her hat-trick with 32 seconds left in the match.

"William & Mary is an excellent team and rightfully so," Scheetz said. "They are so fast and aggressive. They pulled us out and challenged more toward the goal. They don't quit."

Cheri McMonagle tended goal in both games, saving eight shots against the Lady Indians and 12 in the Wahoo match.