With its winning streak snapped at nine, the Penn State women's tennis team flew home from California accentuating the positive.

The Nittany Lions (9-3), ranked No. 59 by the ITA, dropped a close decision to Nebraska by a 4-3 count on the campus of Cal-Irvine Sunday.

Rain delayed action for nearly two hours until attendants could dry the courts. Distracted by an early flight back to Pittsburgh, the Lions came out sluggish.

"Basically, we had some curve balls thrown at us," senior Teresa Whiteside said. "There are no excuses though and we realize that. We'll learn from this loss and only get better."

"We weren't willing to deal with adversity," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said. "We had a lack of discipline. You learn from wins, but losses hit home more."

The Nittany Lions left for California March 4 after trouncing Minnesota 7-0. The Golden Gophers finished second in the Big Ten a year ago. That win followed a win two days earlier against Wisconsin. Pilar Montgomery and company badgered Wisconsin for a strong 5-2 win.

"Our game faces were on," Baker said. "Our mental toughness was at its best. We made (Wisconsin and Minnesota) fight tooth and nail to win points."

"We had two great wins over Wisconsin and Minnesota," Whiteside said. "So, there are many things to feel good about."

The Lions continue to move forward in the rankings and a 2-0 start in the Big Ten makes the high rollers take notice. Penn State catapulted itself to the upper half of the league.

Alongside two solid Big Ten wins, Penn State also defeated Cal-Irvine 5-2. Montgomery beat nationally ranked Jonni Seymour in three sets. Freshmen Kristen Nowicki and Merryman tallied two wins as well.

The Lions prepare to face American next Friday at Sarni Tennis Center if weather permits. Then, it's on to Iowa.

"Our two consecutive wins in the Big Ten have given us a lot of confidence." Perez said. "It's showed us that we can be on top in the Big Ten."