When the season started two weeks ago, the women's lacrosse team was uncertain which way its season would go. Yet after two games, the same proven formula has been working -- stingy defense and a strong offensive punch.

Hoping the results will continue, Penn State (2-0) entertains Loyola (Md.) at 3 p.m. today at Lady Lion Field in the team's home opener. In case of snow, the game may be moved to Holuba Hall at 7:30 tonight. The decision will not be made until later today.

Regardless of the site, the Lady Lions are seeking to build on an 11-3 wallop of Richmond and an 8-2 triumph over James Madison.

"We've done what we've thought we had to do," center Beth McNicholas said. "We need to concentrate on working together more, but we're doing a nice job."

"We're in a really good position," Coach Julie Williams said. "But there's is no way we've reached our potential."

Yet after two games, Williams noted that several positive elements have come together. Most essentially, the team's confidence. She said these "smaller things" will help to strengthen the team even more.

After being on the road for two games, the school will try to improve its winning streak at home to 12 games, dating back to 1988. The adverse weather conditions might have some effect on the outcome, but the squad is prepared for almost anything, especially after the James Madison game.

"It was a little tough to get into the game," forward Lori Fitzgerald said. "(But) Julie told us she had was proud of us because we kept our minds in the game, concentrated and didn't let up. As a team we did a good job; balls were flying all over the As for tomorrow and the conditions, Fitzgerald added, "I don't think it will be too bad, nothing can be as bad as the JMU game."

Based on what happened last year against Loyola, a Penn State 10-5 win, the game should be fairly close. In that game, Loyola was down only 7-5 midway into the second half. And all of the team's offensive players are returning.

"They are a good fast-break team, but they will (also) tend to slow things down. We'll have to be extremely patient on defense," Williams said.

She also said that Loyola will set up its offense with short passes and then look for players cutting into the goal. She said that kind of offense will try to lure the defense out and get it to commit. When that happens, it could create a mismatch.