The women's tennis team will face No. 1 William & Mary tomorrow, followed by a competition with the University of Richmond on Sunday.

William & Mary is ranked first in the Division I East Team Rankings. Penn State is ranked sixth. The Lady Lions competed last night against Temple in a late match.

"All the way down the line they're very strong," Coach Sue Whiteside said.

Though William & Mary's depth will be an obstacle for the Lady Lions, it will not be a total barrier.

"William & Mary is a great school but we have very complete players," Whiteside said. "I guarantee our players will give them a fight."

Having complete players isn't Penn State's only asset.

"I think we're really in shape and that we can turn around and play another match," Whiteside said.

The team will make the 2 1/2 to 3 hour trip to the University of Richmond after tomorrow's competition.

"I hope that no matter what happens against William & Mary, I want us to be able to . . . take a look at each match individually as we go along," Whiteside said.

Whiteside explained the key to doing this is to stay focused on the match at hand. Though, she said this is always difficult when the team is on the road.

However, the team tends to be rowdy and happy when it is on the road.

"That's good because its great for team unity," Whiteside said.

This also helps the desire to win among the players.

"The reason why we win probably has less to do with talent, but with an increased desire to win," Whiteside said.

Whiteside explained this with a reference to the James Madison competition the Lady Lions had over spring break. Penn State defeated James Madison, which is ranked No. 7, 5-4.

"There's no way we should have ever won that match," Whiteside said.