Just because the season is nearly half over doesn't mean both Penn State rugby teams can start to wind down and start prepping for the playoffs.

Both teams face critical league match-ups this weekend. The outcomes of these games go a long way in determining postseason berths.

The Lady Ruggers have two league games on the road against Marquette and Illinois. These two games are especially critical for the team, with next week's game against Navy looming.

Navy is the Lady Ruggers' key league rival. They are a continual presence in the postseason final four championships and cannot be taken lightly. This weekend's games are an opportunity to work on teamwork and fundamentals before the Navy match.

"These two games will really show how we'll play against Navy next week," forward Katie Gloyer said.

In preparation for the games, the Lady Ruggers focused on their season-long struggles this week in practice. Although the team is unbeaten in season play, the team has struggled some defensively due to a lack of aggressiveness in tackling. Keeping and stealing away the ball through scrums and lineouts have also been a cause of concern.

Meanwhile, the men's team faces a similar challenge versus league opponent Towson.

The Ruggers overcame two early season losses to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to go unbeaten so far in league play. Loyola forfeited their game to the Ruggers when they did not show, and last week the team destroyed Mason 77-24.

"We're a young team starting to play well," assistant coach Don Ferrell said. "The veterans began to play better, and the team in all gained experience."

The team is also learning to play together better as well. After both losses to IUP, teamwork was a voiced concern for the Ruggers. Last week, 10 different players scored 11 trys for the team.

Saturday's game is also a chance for payback of sorts. Last season, Towson defeated the Ruggers, ruining the hopes for a league championship for Penn State.

"This year, we know they have a strong forward presence and a fairly dynamic backing crew, so we know what to really look for," said flyhalf Dominic Mara.

For the team to succeed, they must continue to build upon their cohesiveness displayed last week. A stronger defense is their biggest need right now, and only through teamwork can that be accomplished.

Though hinted at previously, no major lineup changes have occurred, said Ferrell.

"It's just a few of the younger guys getting more playing time, but that's about it," he said.

Kickoff against Towson is at 1 p.m. Saturday at the east campus field near the flower gardens.