Going into the weekend, the Penn State women's swimming and diving team knew they had a tough match-up against No. 15 Virginia but none thought the task would be so arduous.

"Virginia was ready, no question about it," said head coach Bill Dorenkott. "It was a home meet for them and they have a pretty high ranking."

Penn State was outscored 130-111 by the Cavaliers and fell to 3-1 on the season, while Virginia improved to 4-0.

"Virginia is a good team. It wasn't that we didn't go down and swim well, it's just that Virginia swam better," Dorenkott said.

The Nittany Lions were able to come away with solid performances in four events.

Junior Katie Bruzda, sophomore Kristen Woodring and freshman Jen Eberst and Larissa Kavchuck won the 400-medley relay.

The 400 freestyle relay team also came away with a first place finish in the meet.

"Even though we came out with a loss we were pleased with our times and swims," said Woodring.

"Virginia has a lot of talented swimmers and just by racing them made us better."

Freshmen Erin Mulshenock and Woodring also won the 200 backstroke and 200 breaststroke, respectively.

Dorenkott was pleased with the fire that the team displayed. He realizes that even though they didn't come away with the victory, the meet will be something to build on.

"I think the fact the we competed with intensity helps us for the rest of the season," Dorenkott said.

The team has high expectations and is aware that this is just one small step in the marathon of the regular season.

"When the time comes and you're feeling your best, good things will happen," Dorenkott said.

He points to the fact that the freshmen and seniors have always stepped up. Nothing has changed for this season.

But in order for them to meet and exceed their expectations Dorenkott feels he will need the entire squad to reach their potential.

"If we are going to have the kind of year we want, our sophomore and juniors can't go to sleep," Dorenkott said.

The team feels confident that the wins will come as long as it stays focused and continues to work hard.

"There were a lot of positives that came with the meet," Woodring said. "We're on track for where we want to be for the end of the season."