While many students are relaxing during spring break, the Penn State softball team will be getting some work in.

The Nittany Lions (6-4) will travel to Tampa, Fla., to play seven teams and a possible 10 games. The trip gives the team a chance to play in some warm weather and to go against some top competition.

"It's fun to get out there and play," coach Robin Petrini said. "We are looking forward to the sunshine."

On Monday the team will start its slate of games by playing Boston University. The next day the team will play a doubleheader against Central Michigan. Outfielder Karen Gulini said that playing those teams help the team get acclimated to the fields in Tampa.

That could be important because on Thursday the team begins play in the very competitive Speedline Invitational, hosted by the University of Southern Florida.

Beside the Lions, five other teams will be competing in the tournament, including No. 6 Stanford. The high level of competition is one of the reasons the team wanted to play in the tournament.

"We have a really good tournament," Petrini said. "The Speedline Invitational is one of the top tournaments in the country."

The Lions have played three teams that are either currently or have been in the top 25, and played them close. It has had a considerable amount of success in those games and expects things to be the same this week.

"I expect every game to be close," Gulini said. "We played Alabama close and the past weekend we played great. We can beat anybody."

Gulini has played extremely well so far this season. She is currently batting .516 and hit at a .769 clip in last weekend's UNLV Tri-Tournament.

Also playing well last weekend was Kelley Galigher. Galigher saw time at in the outfield and third base, and was 6-13 with four RBI.

The team is also looking for something else along with big game experience. They are playing in a great tournament, and know that playing well will help them get on the national map.

"It's a great tournament," Petrini said. "If a team does well they can get national recognition.