Four opponents, four ITA ranked schools.

That's what the 71st ranked Penn State women's tennis team (6-2) looks forward to in the next 10 days. Today, the Lions take on its first Big Ten competition of the season in 75th ranked Wisconsin. Sunday, the Lions face 43rd ranked Minnesota.

The Lions want that early momentum to continue rolling. In such a competitive conference such as the Big Ten, solid early starts are essential.

"It's really important to start well," senior Teresa Whiteside said. "We established ourselves outside of conference. To win one right off the bat would be very important."

Winning matches against Minnesota and Wisconsin certainly maintains confidence. The Badgers finished ahead of the Lions last year and the Golden Gophers finished second with a conference record of 8-3.

Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker points to strong teams throughout the conference. With an early win or two, Penn State could be a surprise.

"Every teams gotten stronger," Baker said. "There's much more parity and no easy matches. Anyone can get beat on any single day."

After the weekend, the Lions head to sunny California — the land of swimming pools and movie stars. For Pilar Montgomery, it's a special homecoming. She brings her teammates to Santa Barbara to stay with her parents as they train outdoors for action on March 9.

"It's incredibly important to go home," Montgomery said. "I love being home and love being with my family."

The Lions head outdoors for the first time since opening the season in New Orleans on Feb. 3.

"It will be easier than Tulane because it will be warmer," Montgomery said. "It's easier adjusting indoors to outdoors than outdoors to indoors."

Against Tulane, the Lions played in temperatures not much above freezing.

Montgomery gave the 'Huskers a verbal commitment her senior year of high school. Four years later, she's the top player for a deep Penn State squad. Montgomery isn't going home alone. Freshman Leigh Ann Merryman's hometown is located near Irvine. Junior Janelle Perez hails from Burkingame, California.

If the Lions come back home March 11 with four wins and a 10-game winning streak, the future could be bright.

"We're in really good position," Montgomery said. "Our heads are on straight. But, we shouldn't take anything lightly."