Twenty days. That's how long it's been since the Penn State women's swimming and diving team last raced.

But at 11 a.m. tomorrow in McCoy Natatorium, the Lady Lions' vacation will come to an end when they host Northwestern (5-2, 4-1 Big Ten) in their final home meet of the season.

Coming off a training trip to Coral Springs, Fla., during winter break, Penn State (4-2, 2-1) traveled to Ohio State Jan. 9 where it won, 170-129. The Lions then journeyed to Pittsburgh the next day to defeat the Panthers, 179-121. Since then, the team has been idle through no fault of its own.

The Lions were unable to make the trip to Minnesota scheduled for Jan. 16 because of poor weather in State College. Indiana then had to cancel the meet on Jan. 23 due to a scheduling conflict.

The long layoff definitely has been a positive, said Penn State head coach Bill Dorenkott.

He said the break provided a chance for rest and time to heal any injuries as the team heads into the final weeks of preparation for the Big Ten Championships, Feb. 18-20.

"Two weeks is a bit too much of a break," Dorenkott said. "But it's been positive. We are healthier and injury-free and we have had some real consistent training."

The team feels the gap in swimming was more beneficial than harmful, and it will be prepared to swim against Northwestern.

Junior diver Jaime Jaax said while it would have been nice to get a feel for the facilities at Minnesota where Big Tens will be held, this break is not as detrimental as it may seem.

"We've had enough meets to get the feel of competition," she said.

Northwestern is one obstacle the team must face on the road to Big Tens. Penn State hasn't faced the Wildcats since 1997 when it lost, 196-102. The Lions still hold a 2-1 edge in the series.

"Northwestern is a really challenging team," senior swimmer Lesley Spada said. "They are one of the top three teams (in the Big Ten). We are going to put up a good fight."

Dorenkott feels his team will swim well against the No. 10 team in the country that also boasts this week's Big Ten Swimmer of the Week, junior Amy Balcerzak.

Northwestern head coach Jimmy Tierney said his team is equally excited to race tomorrow. This will be the first time for many members of his team to swim at Penn State. Coming off three weeks of travel has taken its toll on the team he said, but it is still looking forward to fast swimming.

"We have traveled a lot," he said. "They are tired and we've had some health concerns. We're excited, though, to come in and put out a good performance."

The meet will be particularly meaningful for swimmers Arianne Adams, Laura Molettiere, Jessie Ray, Lesley Spada and diver Amy Wade, all of who will be appearing in their final home dual meets.

"It's been an incredible four years," captain Adams said. "I'm happy to celebrate the last meet with this team."