The success of one week builds on the next. The Penn State women's tennis team hopes early-season success snowballs.

Starting this afternoon, the Nittany Lions (3-2) face Eastern Michigan, Penn and Cornell on consecutive days. The action starts at 1 p.m. for each match at the Sarni Tennis Center. With three wins, the Lions could stretch their winning streak to six games. From 1997 to 1999 the Lions tallied just five wins -- total.

Next week, the Big Ten season begins with Wisconsin at home. Last year, the Lions torched their non-conference schedule. Those Lions went 7-0 against foes not from the Big Ten, but only won one conference game.

But that might change this year.

"These winning results are going to continue because we are a very strong team this year with a lot of confidence in ourselves and each other," said junior Janelle Perez.

The Lions also have a core nucleus at the top of the line-up to lead the way. Senior Pilar Montgomery is coming off a singles victory at the Princeton Invitational. Montgomery teamed with junior Rebecca Ho finished second in doubles. They get a rematch with that doubles team when the Lions take on Penn Saturday at 1 p.m. in the tennis center beside Holuba Hall.

"Penn has a solid team," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said. "They have good depth. We'll have to play well against them."

This season's players are looking forward to a home-court advantage after narrowly winning at Penn last year..

"I am incredibly excited to play at home," Perez said. "There is nothing like your home court advantage. And, not having to travel is a bonus."

Baker is hoping for a good spectator turnout.

"I hope the crowd is a factor," Baker said. "The courts should be a factor. There's an excitement surrounding our first home match."

Injuries could play a part in the action this upcoming weekend. Ho has been resting an injured wrist, though Baker explained the injury is not severe.