East meets West. . . . Well, East meets Central.

Whatever way you look at it, the rugby team, champion of the Allegheny Rugby Union, squares off against the University of Pennsylvania, champion of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union, tomorrow in what senior Shawn Krago is billing as "the battle for Pennsylvania."

After a tough 15-12 loss last Saturday to Maryland, a game in which the Lions held a 12-0 lead at the half, Penn State will be looking to get back on the winning track against Penn. But that may be easier said than done. Penn is ranked third overall in the East and as senior co-captain Peter Karmilowicz puts it, "We haven't had good luck with East Coast teams (George Mason and Maryland)."

Although Penn will be a formidable opponent, it is a team that is definitely beatable. The Quakers lost by a point to George Mason, a team that Penn State took to overtime before losing in the Washington Irish Tournament. Karmilowicz knows the Lions are in for a battle, but is confident that they can emerge victorious.

"I definitely think we can win," he said. "We just have to play our game."

One advantage that the Lions might lose is that of playing at home. The game, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. near the Flower Gardens, may be moved to Philadelphia due to weather conditions.

"If there's still snow on the ground Saturday, we may have to move the game to a different site," senior Alex DeVicarris said. "But that's up to the groundkeepers."

Even if the match is moved, senior Dan Fasold believes the Lions, eager to redeem themselves for last week's loss, will come out strong against Penn.

"No matter where the match is played, we'll be ready to go Saturday," Fasold said.

Next week the team will play its final regular season game at South Pittsburgh, before heading to Ohio (probably Columbus) in mid-April for the all-important Midwest Collegiate Tournament. The winner of that tournament will advance to the National Collegiate Rugby Championships in May.