This season was treating the Penn State women's soccer team so well.
It saw the Nittany Lions (14-3-1, 8-1-1 Big Ten) clinch the Big Ten title, rise to as high as fourth in the NSCAA/adidas rankings and only suffer two defeats, both early in the season to top ranked opponents.
Individually, the Lions were having banner years as well. Forward Christie Welsh set the Big Ten record for goals, goalkeeper Emily Oleksiuk extended her school records in saves and shutouts and forward Heidi Drummond put together a breakout season with 11 goals. Each was also named Big Ten Player of the Week.
Then this smooth road found a few potholes last week in Penn State's bizarre loss at Ohio State that included two power failures and red cards for Oleksiuk and coach Paula Wilkins.
The team, which defeated Pittsburgh Sunday, looks to continue its rebound this Sunday when it takes on George Mason (7-9-1) at 2 p.m. at George Mason Stadium.
Penn State, still ranked eight nationally, knows it had better get back into early season form with the first round of the Big Ten tournament looming on Nov. 8. However, Wilkins looks at this game as more than a tune-up for postseason play.
"I think this is an important game in our schedule, especially being a regional opponent," Wilkins said. "It's a good game to get our feet back on the ground."
She believes her team has galvanized after the loss to the Buckeyes and emerges strong for the Big Ten tournament and a run at an NCAA title.
"I'm hoping it's the thing that forces them to wake up," Wilkins said. "They were at a comfortable level. I hope it rejuvenates them for the playoffs."
The Lions used the week off trying to heal up after a bruising conference schedule that saw key starters miss time with various injuries. The teams' full starting lineup should be back on the field for the showdown with the Patriots.
Most important, a week of uninterrupted practice has allowed the team to get its most intense workout sessions since preseason training camp.
"It let us rest up and get back to business by getting more hard training in," Wilkins said.
All of which does not bode well for George Mason.
