Taking over the point guard spot on a team that won thirty games and reached the NCAA Women's Final Four a year ago is somewhat of a daunting task. It's comparable to stepping into the cockpit of a B-2 stealth bomber — there are a lot of great weapons at your disposal, but if you don't know how to fly the plane, the results can be disastrous.

This season, sophomore Ashley Luke will face that very task, taking the reins of the Penn State women's basketball team from 1999-2000 Big Ten Player of the Year and current WNBA member Helen Darling.

She is ready for the challenge.

"I know there are going to be some times when things are gonna be a little rough," Luke said yesterday at Penn State's Basketball Media Day. "But usually I'm good at sticking things out and dealing with it so I think I'll be all right."

Coming off a freshman campaign during which she averaged 2.5 points and 9.5 minutes per game, Luke knew that she would be counted on to make a greater contribution this season following Darling's graduation.

She spent the majority of the summer in State College, preparing herself for this season mentally as well as physically.

"I've been up here pretty much the whole summer watching film, playing, lifting," Luke said. "I feel like I'm pretty well prepared."

Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland credited Luke's summer work ethic, and voiced confidence in the abilities of her second-year player.

Portland added that Luke has a stronger core of returning players around her than Darling did in her first full season at the point, and she said that while the Lady Lions will miss the penetration and rebounding skills of Darling, Luke is a better outside shooter.

Luke said the difference between her and Darling, who is now a graduate assistant, is " I like to push the ball up the court. She (Darling) likes to have it in her hands a lot more."

Penn State senior guard Chrissy Falcone said the difference in style of play should be acknowledged, but that it's not a worry for the team.

"I think everyone's got to realize that Helen is a great point guard, but so is Ashley," she said. "She may have a completely different style of play than Helen, and I think everyone needs to get used to that, but realize that it's OK that she's different."

Luke, who hails from Aurora, IL, was an extremely accomplished high school player — she holds the Waubonsie Valley High career records for points, assists, steals, and three-pointers — but admitted she underwent a few growing pains last season as a freshman.

"I think the thing I learned the most (from last year) was just that I need to be tougher," she said. "It's a whole different mental attitude. Last year I came in and I kind of questioned myself a little bit, but after going through the summer I think I have a lot more confidence."

With the offensive arsenal surrounding her, including the senior triplet of sharpshooters Falcone and Lisa Shepherd and low-post threat Maren Walseth, Luke has reason to be confident.

"I think she's ready to do a great job for us," Falcone said.

If Luke can keep a steady hand at the controls, there's no telling how high the Lady Lions will fly this season.