Penn State fencers find themselves grazing where the grass isn't so green at the NCAA Championships hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside.

For six consecutive years the Nittany Lions have won the big prize — the NCAA championship. They also won seven championships in the '90s, even finishing second in the three years they didn't hoist up championship hardware.

Saying that the streak may be in jeopardy is an understatement. Disaster, at least for them, struck on March 11, when the Lions qualified only 11 fencers instead of 12.

Soon, the Lions were dealt a second blow as both St. John's and Notre Dame qualified the maximum. For the first time in a long time, Penn State is taking on the underdog mindset.

"We're obviously the underdogs," senior co-captain Charlotte Walker said. "It's a good thing and a bad thing. If everyone does their best, we'll win. It's up to us."

Of the 11, Penn State has a solid contingent competing. In addition to Walker a former NCAA champion, Marta Grochal competes in women's foil. In women's epee, former junior World Champion Stephanie Eim takes aim. Freshman Heather Brosnan and junior Stephanie Tam head women's saber. Tam finished sixth at nationals last year.

After the initial shock and disappointment, the Lions relish the role to beat the odds.

"It's not that bad," co-captain Mike Takagi said. "We're going in with nothing to lose. I like it actually."

No doubt about it, the Lions have enough talent in the qualified 11 to make waves. Some of that talent falls on the men's side. Both Adam Wiercioch and defending national champion Daniel Landgren have the tools to finish in the top four in men's epee. Amir Rahimi joins former All-American Takagi in men's saber. Heralded freshman Non Panchan does battle alongside senior Omar Bhutta in men's foil.

Penn State fencers will face 23 other competitors in five-touch bouts within their weapon in a round-robin format. The top-four advance to direct elimination 15-touch bouts. Right away, the Fighting Irish and Red Storm have 23 more chances to earn points than the Lions. The battle is definitely uphill.

"There still is a sense of hope," Takagi said. "During my freshman year, we trailed Notre Dame by 17 points after the second day and we came back and won by two."

Maybe the Irish have it in them to choke once again. Penn State women dominated St. John's earlier this year 23-4. Obviously, a disparity remains between the Lions and Red Storm concerning talent.

"The odds are against us, but we could pull it off," Eim said. "On paper, we have some of the world's best fencers. If we get a little help, we could make this upset happen."