They can't talk about it anymore. It's time to get cracking.

After a disappointing 8-10 record and a first round exit in last year's NCAA tournament, the Penn State Women's Lacrosse team will be coming on their horses this season.

After a busy offseason training regimen, the Lions have come to camp in supreme shape. This is what the women work all offseason for. This is why they lift all those weights.

"I think we're ready to prove to anyone just how good we really are," senior defender Alyson Shand said.

With 11 hungry seniors and a total of 24 warriors returning from last year's disappointing squad, this year's team is on a mission. Led by former Penn State stallion, coach Suzanne Isidor, the Lions plan on their 2002 campaign being a time for achievement and a time for purpose. A time for glory.

"We want to be in the final four this season," Isidor said. "We want to be in the hunt for the national championship. The team came back for preseason ready to go."

The Lions have been named the preseason No. 12 team in the nation by Lacrosse Magazine. With games against 11 of the top 20 teams, and four of the top 5, the Lions will have to work hard to keep their ranking and move up the totem poll.

The experience and knowledge possessed by Penn State should act as the backbone of a strong, talented team. With 16 upperclassmen, 11 seniors and a defense composed of athletes competing in this their final season, the intangibles are stacked in Penn State's direction.

"There's 10 of us (seniors)," co-captain B.J. Lucey said. "It's not just going to be on the shoulders of the captains, but the entire team."

But intangibles don't win championships, and if the Lions hope to reach that higher goal, their biggest question mark may have to turn into an exclamation point by season's end. After losing last year's goalie Megan Ames to graduation, a two-woman war is being waged for a spot between the posts. Freshman Lee Tortorelli and junior Andrea Sorgi are competing intensely for a chance to work as Penn State's last line of defense.

The spot is up for grabs.

Last season the Lions struggled keeping a high level of intensity from game to game. Consistency is something the Lions will need to work on if they're going to flip the script this season.

"I think we've had the talent the last couple of years, we just had problems executing it," Shand said.

Among those returning from last year's team will be sophomore Katie Jeschke and junior Colleen O'Hara, last year's leading scorers. Lucey and senior Alison DeCecco will look to patrol the midfield with authority this season. Seniors Shand, Melissa MacRone, Katie Schiller and co-captain Stacey Saggese man a veteran defense that could prove to be the strength and security of the Lions.

Add to the mix several freshmen who are ready to contribute, and the Lions may be ready to flourish this season. 6'1" freshmen Kristen Burke out of Maryland brings with her two state champions and a 52-9 record throughout her high school career. Along with Burke, freshmen Emily Chambers, Sara Ward and Tortorelli are expected to mix it up right away.

"It's been a great preseason with underclassmen and upperclassmen playing together," Shand said. "We've got a lot of leadership and a great dynamic."