With two Big Ten schools visiting from Michigan this weekend, the Penn State women's tennis team steps outdoors to move up the conference ladder.

The Big Ten doormat a season ago, Michigan State arrives at Sarni Tennis Center for a 9 a.m. Saturday clash.

The Nittany Lions destroyed the Spartans last year 7-0. The win, the Lions lone of the conference schedule, assured Michigan State of a last place finish.

The Spartans' luck (6-10, 0-5) has not changed this season.

This season, the Lions (10-5, 2-2) already have more Big Ten wins than last. With impending match-ups against top contenders, the Lions need wins to end a two-game skid.

"Obviously, we want to take both matches," senior Teresa Whiteside said. "But, we'll just have to take it one match at a time. If we play like we know we can, the wins will take care of themselves."

Assuming the Lions don't suffer an upset tomorrow, Penn State should welcome Michigan Sunday at 11 a.m. at Sarni.

The Wolverines (7-7, 2-3) shut out Michigan State last weekend, but also lost to Minnesota. Penn State hammered home a 7-0 victory against the Golden Gophers in early conference play.

"It's good we play Michigan State first," senior Janelle Perez said. "It's a match we should handle 6-1, 7-0. It'll give us a lot of confidence. The harder of the two matches is coming on Sunday."

This weekend marks the first time the Lions travel outside to Sarni. It's no secret that many of the players prefer the indoor courts, including Whiteside, No. 5 Leigh Ann Merryman, and No. 3 Judy Wang.

Throw Perez into the mix as well.

"I don't want to play outside either," Perez said. "I feel more confident playing inside."

It doesn't matter what time of the year, when tennis is played at Sarni, wind always plays a factor. This weekend will be no different. For Perez, it means making some changes to her game.

The pace on Perez's forehand knifes through the breeze. However, the patented Perez lob may suffer.

"Adjustments have to be made to my game," Perez said. "The lobs I hit indoors will be out."

During two straight losses, the Lions have been plagued by slow starts in singles. On both occasions — Iowa and Ohio State — the Lions won the final two matches.

"Winning the doubles point always helps," Perez said. "We have to keep that momentum up to do well."