Lady Laxers face daunting schedule

The Penn State women's lacrosse team's schedule is nothing if not challenging.

Nine of the No. 8 Lady Lions' 16 regular season games are against currently ranked teams. The list is highlighted by seven of the other nine top 10 contingents, including three of the top five. No. 1 North Carolina and No. 5 Duke are the only top 10 teams not on Penn State's schedule.

In addition, two of the seven unranked squads not on the meat grinder schedule -- Colgate and Delaware -- received votes in the last poll.

"We get to see what we can do against the top teams, so that's very helpful," junior defender Jordan Brodsky said. "I think that gives us a definite advantage to teams that just play within their own league."

Lion coach Julie Williams has always been in favor of a strong schedule. Although her teams will most likely miss out on the confidence of going undefeated, she said they gain valuable experience for the postseason.

"I always believe that the stronger opponents we play, the stronger we'll be down the stretch," Williams said. "A strong schedule always wins out in my mind."

The combination of top opposition and games on consecutive days can result in physical wear-and-tear as the season goes on. For that reason, Williams said depth is important.

This season depth could be a problem. Penn State's bench is filled with talented but young and inexperienced players.

However, Williams said most games are won on emotional rather than physical play, so her players will just have to be ready.

"This year they're just going to have to tough it out," Williams said.

The strength of Penn State's schedule is also important in its qualification for the NCAA Tournament. Since the Lions are independent, they are forced to impress the selection committee in order to get into the tournament. A high level of opposition just happens to be one of the committee's criteria.

If anyone thinks a strong schedule isn't important, just ask Colgate. The Red Raiders finished 11-2 last season against light opposition, but failed to qualify for the tournament.

Lion team captain Emily Mechem returned to the lineup in a big way last Wednesday against Loyola.

The junior midfielder had four goals in her team's 12-7 loss to the Greyhounds. Recovering from a broken occipital bone, Mechem played with a clear plastic mask that covered her forehead through to her nose, with space for the eyes.

Brodsky said it was good to have Mechem back on the field. She said her intensity level was missed when she sat out Penn State's first two games of the season.

"Her intensity level is immeasurable," Brodsky said.

Mechem is also a valuable part of the team's transition game. Junior attack Jen Johnson said the pistons weren't firing when Mechem was on the sidelines.

"Even subconsciously, it just affects everybody," Johnson said. "You're so used to working together.

Notes:

Penn State's next three games will be against top 10 teams. The Lions face No. 10 William and Mary and No. 3 Virginia this weekend, then meet No. 4 Princeton next weekend . . . Johnson leads the team in both points (21) and goals (15). She had five goals against James Madison Saturday . . . Sophomore attack Julie Tice has emerged as the team's setup person. She already has 13 assists, seven more than she had last season.