With a break in tournament play until April 6, the men's golf team has scheduled a weekend match against district opponent Rutgers at the Marriot Seaview Resort in Absecon, N.J.

Two weeks ago at the Kings Mill Invitational, Penn State had little trouble with Rutgers, finishing 45 strokes ahead of the Scarlet Knights.

However, the Knights have been on a two week-long practice trip in Florida to get in some needed practice on outdoor courses.

Coach Mary Kennedy stressed the importance of the Rutgers match and is confident that her team will not take them lightly.

"The next two weekends are more in line of playing for score. We have to treat it like competition rather than practice. It will improve upon our scoring ability, an attitude we need to develop," she said.

The match will enable seven golfers to compete instead of the five that usually travel to tournaments. This will give new golfers the opportunity to compete and asses their progress.

Kennedy hopes this will help her choose the fifth golfer to join the solid quartet of Kyle Ross, Dan Vona, William Smith, and Matt Shiley.

Steve McEntee, Jason Tyska, and Joe Freed will round out the list making this trip.

McEntee, the fifth member of the traveling team at the season's start, has had difficulty in the past two events. Tyska, a freshman, competed at King's Mill, shooting a 160.

Freed, also in his first year, has not competed this spring. He did compete in one tournament last fall, shooting a 77 average in three rounds at the West Point Invitational.

"It gives them a chance to show what they can do. We're still trying to fill the fifth spot. If anything, it will add pressure and help us play a little better," Smith said.

"Bringing more golfers will make us play that much better," McIntee said. "The spot is still open and we're looking forward to the competition. Doing well will give us that much more confidence."

The New Jersey course is another new venue for the Lions. The team will play on two different 18-hole courses over the weekend. The five highest scores will be counted each round.

"There will be a few rough edges not having the opportunity to play the course," Kennedy said.

With the break in the weather last week, the Lions finally practiced outside. Although the conditions once again turned sour this week, the team will remain outdoors.

"Going back inside disrupts depth perception and feel for distances," Kennedy said. "I've asked them to put on their hats and gloves and rough it."

"Last week was great. It helped us alot. Mary always stresses play and doing things to stay loose," Smith said.