Even though the women's gymnastics team defeated rival Ohio State 186-181.1 on in its first home meet Jan. 19, the Lady Lions, ranked No. 13 nationally, are expecting a challenge.

When Penn State faces its rival, ranked No. 33 nationally, at 7 tonight in Columbus, it may see an entirely different team from the one it competed against earlier this season.

"They had several gymnasts out of the lineup in our first meet with them, some of the best kids from last year, that could potentially be back in this weekend," Coach Judi Avener said.

"We know that they're going to improve as the season goes on, and they're usually much better at home than they are away," Avener added.

Penn State (7-1) defeated Ohio State (4-7) twice last year in regular-season meets but fell to the Lady Buckeyes 185.925-188.175 in the NCAA Northeast Regionals.

"Last year was a big let down; we can still taste the loss," Jada Hiltabrand said.

"We're going to give them another scare so they know they have no chance at regionals," she said.

The Lady Lions have a 15-13 lead in the Penn State-Ohio State series that began in 1965.

"It's our biggest rivalry, but it's a good one, too," Avener said. "We've managed to somehow keep a fairly friendly, upbeat kind of atmosphere."

Avener said the Lady Lions are expected to win the meet.

"The scores indicate we are the team to beat this year," she said. "We have the pressure of defending that."

The Lady Lions continued to practice cues this week, but also practiced more routines than last week.

Hiltabrand said the gymnasts are fine tuning their routines and that the little things that give them trouble are starting to come together.

"We are a better team than we were last year, mentally, physically and attitude-wise," she said.

Avener has not yet decided tonight's lineup. The gymnasts have not suffered any serious injuries, however, some of the Lady Lions have the flu. Tracy Salvino has retired from the team. She has suffered from compartment syndrome, a soreness in the wrists, for the past year.

"I can't work out enough to compete well; it hurts too much and it's very frustrating," Salvino said.