It's almost spring, and the birds are flying north. The baseball team, however, is flying south. Way south.

This weekend the Lions (3-2) travel to warm, sunny Florida for their annual spring break trip. The trip includes a game tomorrow with Connecticut, a Sunday game against Illinois-Chicago, then a six-day, six game invitational hosted by Rollins College, a top Division II team. Penn State will play two games each against Maine, Pennsylvania and Rollins.

The Lions are fairly happy with their play so far this year, especially after coming away with a win against an excellent Old Dominion team last weekend. "We're playing excellent baseball," senior co-captain Russ Mushinsky said. "Last year at this time, we hadn't even played yet.

Even though the Lions got off to their earliest start in team history two weeks ago, there are still an enormous amount of things to work on and get straightened out -- the team is hitting a collectively chilly .222. Coach Joe Hindelang is hoping to get regulars Dave Hall (1 hit in 13 at-bats), Kody Barto (1-for-16) and Chris Buzzi (2-for-13) on track for the rest of the season. At this point the pitching is doing well, so Hindelang plans to make sure that each member of the staff get the necessary innings. Hindelang is very aware of the importance of the week.

"It takes about 15-20 games to get a lineup set," Hindelang said. "(This week) will give me a chance to see some more pitchers, to learn more about the team. We need to get as much information in and analyzed and answered, so you're getting ready for the Big Ten opener. That's the key."

And there are hopes that there will be at least some time to relax and enjoy part of the break as well.

"We try to set things up so that everyone can have a good time, and a rewarding time as well," Hindelang said.