When Pilar Montgomery starts to talk to herself during the middle of her match, opponents better beware. Montgomery's foes have been on the lookout for the past 15 matches.

The senior women's tennis player showed American University star Irina Bovina and Iowa Hawkeyes' No. 1 Toni Neykova why during two weekend matches.

Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions (10-4, 2-1), Montgomery's work only earned the team a split. Penn State beat American, 5-2, to up its record to 10-3 on the season. On Sunday, the Lions lost Big Ten momentum after dropping a 4-3 decision to the Hawkeyes.

On Friday, ahead 3-1 in the first set, Bovina matched Montgomery's power in lacing a forehand down the line.

Montgomery promptly attempted to pump some adrenaline in her veins, saying, "God, come on. Hit it over the net!"

Her constant inner prodding turned the set around. Montgomery ripped a crosscourt forehand, grazing the chord, dropping just over the net, to close the score to 3-2.

That was the beginning of the end for Bovina as Montgomery cruised to a straight set victory, beating the Eagles number one 7-5, 6-1.

Montgomery wasn't the only one carrying a hot racket heading into the weekend. The doubles team of Teresa Whiteside and Leigh Ann Merryman had a modest five-game winning streak. The duo lost to the Eagles team of Kealy Carter and Bovina 8-3. Merryman remained upbeat, especially after she dismantled Lauren Martin in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 to seal the Lions victory.

"Teresa and I had an off day," Merryman said. "We were a little intimidated by their height. We'll get it back. Today was just a bad day."

Merryman proved to the Hawkeyes that she can predict her turnaround. It helps when Merryman takes exception to losing.

"I don't like losing," Merryman said. "Especially losing doubles and singles."

The rebound included a solid 8-5 win against Erica Johnson and Steffi Hoch.

However when the smoke cleared, Iowa, ranked No. 36 in the country, dealt the No. 50 Lions another loss away from home. The Lions are 6-0 at the Penn State Tennis Center, but just 4-4 on the road. Why are the Lions so successful in their home digs?

"I give credit to the girls," coach Buffy Baker said. "They are a hardworking group."

With the majority of Big Ten play taking place in the Lions backyard, confidence remains high. Ohio State arrives in Happy Valley next weekend.

"I like playing at home," sophomore Judy Wang said. "Since we're used to the courts."

With five consecutive home games before hitting the road on April 21, the Lions may dread going on the road again. However, if Montgomery has anything to say about it on the court, don't bet on it.