After two wins last year against Ohio State in regular-season meets, Penn State fell to the Lady Buckeyes 185.925 to 188.175 in the NCAA Northeast Regionals. At 8 tomorrow night in Rec Hall, Penn State (3-0) will try to avenge the loss.

"We're ready to kick some butt," Coach Judi Avener said. "We don't have to get fired up for Ohio State, we have to calm down."

Added Lynn Crane, "I'm pretty fired up, especially after losing to them at regionals."

Last season Penn State defeated Ohio State 184.95 to 184.15 on Jan. 20 at Ohio State and 186.35 to 184.80 on Feb. 17 at Rec Hall.

The Penn State-Ohio State series began in 1965. Penn State has a 14-13 lead in the series.

Avener said she is glad the meet is at home because it will give the Lady Lions a challenge later in the season. Penn State travels to Ohio State (1-2) on Feb. 15.

The Lady Lions are not at full strength in terms of routine difficulty and which gymnasts will compete, Avener said. However, their routines are of a greater level of difficulty for this early in the season than in the past few seasons, she added. In its season opening victory last weekend, Penn State scored a 186.75 to runner-up West Virginia's 181.60. The Lady Lions's score also established a new opening-meet career high.

Rumor has it that Ohio State is not as strong as it has been in the past, Avener said.

Allison Barber, Crane and Janice Rogers will compete in the all-around.

Rene Lyst, April Polito, who suffers from Achilles tendonitis, and Coby Silver will compete on the vault. Crane will attempt a new vault.

Polito, Silver, Jada Hiltabrand and Kira Rohm will compete on the uneven bars. Rohm and Rogers will use a dangerous release moved called the Tkachev.

Moving to balance beam, Lyst, Salvino and Polito will compete for the Lady Lions while Marianne Kreisher will perform in exhibition.

Laurie Russo, Hiltabrand and Lyst will perform floor excercises.

Freshmen Tricia Butler, Chanda Chipperfield and Tracia Halstead along with juniors Stephanie Penman, Kristin Unverferth and Claire Wilson will compete for Ohio State.