The softball team was supposed to play its first games in nearly a month against St. Joseph's last weekend.

The weather, however, wasn't paying attention. The games were postponed because the Villanova campus, where the games were to be played, was treated to some snow last Saturday.

The Lady Lions (2-8) should get their chance to play at 2 p.m. today at Lady Lion Field, as they host a doubleheader against St. Francis (Pa.)

Coach Sue Rankin didn't hold practice as State College faced snow problems of its own Saturday, and she didn't want to hold another indoor practice.

"There's a difference between fielding a ball off (grass) and fielding a ball off turf," Rankin explained.

Kim Corbin (1-4) and Ellie Traino (0-2) will start the games against St. Francis (9-8). At a tournament last weekend, St. Francis beat Towson State and lost to North Carolina and Miami (Ohio). Despite its winning record so far, St. Francis coach Tom Cicero is pessimistic about his team's chances for a win.

"We are a new program -- this is our fifth year," Cicero said. "Plus, because of weather conditions, we haven't been too successful in any outdoor practicing.

"This will probably be one of the biggest games we have. I would more or less consider it an opener for the rest of the season."

Cicero is hoping for a big performance from pitcher Lexie Chamberlain, as well as first baseman Alison Asher, who Cicero expects will be his "hitter of the day."

This will be the first time the Lady Lions have played St. Francis. Although Rankin may not know what to expect, she always enjoys new challenges.

"It's nice to have new teams in Pennsylvania," Rankin said. "We need to play new teams."