This weekend, more than 30 men will get on a bus, head toward the East Coast and hang out together for a week. No, they are not going on vacation.

Instead, the men's lacrosse team will spend spring break playing three games: the first against Georgetown on Sunday, then Drexel on Mar. 9 and Villanova on Mar. 12.

"Georgetown will be our biggest competitor," captain Mike O'Keefe said. "They are an up and coming program and they finished in the top 20 last year. They are a team like us that is waiting to crack the NCAA Tournament."

Coach Glenn Thiel also agreed that Georgetown would be the big game because the Hoyas are a team laden with upperclassmen. Conversely, the Lions' young squad will need to maintain their confidence level to be competitive.

"Our whole attack (team) is freshmen and sophomores and a community college transfer student," Thiel said about the experience level. "I hope we can play with confidence and to the level of our ability."

In addition to raising its confidence, the midfield defense is making strides to improve its physical conditioning. During the matchup against the Fighting Irish, the midfield was run ragged and the team's ball handling was poor, Thiel said.

Even with that loss, the experience was valuable because it has afforded the team the opportunity to work out the kinks before Sunday. With the Hoyas presenting the toughest competition, the games against Villanova and Drexel will not be as difficult.

"We should easily win two and we should beat Georgetown," O'Keefe said about the matchups.

Although the conditions, traveling to all three schools, do not work in favor of the team, the Lions have an advantage where other factors are concerned. While Drexel and Villanova may have been practicing in their respective gyms, the Lions have been stretching their paws in Holuba Hall.

"In a lot of ways, we're better off," Thiel said. "We have the facilities to practice, but is tough for us to tell how good the goalies are until they are outside."

Over the break, Jason Johnson will retain his place in goal that he earned before the trip to Notre Dame. Although he allowed 12 balls to cross the plane of the net in that game, Johnson is the best bet for the Lions.

As for missing a week sunning in Florida, the players see both advantages and disadvatages to the situation.

" It is fun being away with your teammates," O'Keefe said. "It is a bonding experience with the team. You wouldn't be playing lacrosse if you didn't enjoy it in the first place."