"We have to approach every game the same," Penn State lacrosse coach Suzanne Weinberg said. "We are playing the top teams in the country. We have to go in confident, but go in with respect for Loyola. We have to play smart. Playing hard and playing smart — that's when we're at our best."
Penn State will go in with the confidence gained from its 13-8 win against Temple Tuesday, but it will also go into tomorrow's game after making some changes at practice this week.
Weinberg cited the team's defense as an area where some touch up was needed.
"We need to play better defense than we have the last few games. Loyola's offense plays very well. We need to be ready to get the double team."
Junior Katie Schiller said that in addition to defense, the Lions also need to concentrate on their shooting.
"We can't be making the goalie look like an all-American. We need to shoot around her."
Penn State goalkeeper Megan Ames will also be tested this weekend, as Loyola brings with it Stacey Morlang who has had 30 goals and 14 assists in Loyola's nine games this season. She also had 70 shots on goal before Loyola's game Wednesday against George Mason.
"She's definitely their go-to player," Weinberg said. "She's strong and fast and goes straight to goal. She'll just shoot the ball from anywhere."
But Penn State has some shooters of its own. And not just one. The scoring this season has come from various Penn State players including Colleen O'Hara, Molly Ford and Katie Jeschke who are the top-three scorers for Penn State so far this season.
So with a renewed confidence after three-straight losses, Penn State will look to pick up another big win this weekend.
"We've proven we can play with the best, but not that we can beat the best," Weinberg said.
Weinberg and her team are hoping to change all that tomorrow.
