The Penn State field hockey team faces yet another test this weekend, or another two tests.

The No. 6 Nittany Lions (10-1, 2-1 Big Ten) will take their game on the road this weekend, playing two top 10 teams in as many days. First up is No. 4 Wake Forest (10-2, 3-0 ACC) tomorrow at 2 p.m., followed by No. 8 James Madison (9-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Both games will be played at James Madison and both teams offer the first formidable threat since Penn State's first loss of the season, to Michigan State. The Spartans were the last ranked team the Lions faced.

"I think they're going to be two really tough games," Lions goalie Annie Zinkavich said.

"But I think it's going to be good since we haven't really been challenged since Michigan State."

Last season saw Penn State split its games against the Demon Deacons and the Dukes, falling 2-1 to Wake Forest and winning 2-1 over JMU. The back-to-back games will be a good indication of where the Lions stand at this point in the season and how they will fare when they get into post-season tournament play.

Penn State will look to keep up its passing game on the offensive end and avoid the typical midfield breakdowns on the defensive end.

The team's last two games, wins over Northwestern and Bucknell, saw extremely improved passing and communication from the backs down through the forwards.

"We've been playing well," Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett said. "The competition may not have been what it's going to be this weekend but I'm pleased with the type of the game we've been playing."

Along with carrying over the improved passing game, Morett wants to see the Lions continue to chase the ball in the circle and charge the cage. She feels if the team can continue that sort of attack, it will be successful.

The Demon Deacons are currently riding a nine-game winning streak, with their last loss coming to James Madison earlier in the season.

Wake Forest is no stranger to tough competition, having already beaten No. 1 Maryland, 2-1, in overtime, and shutting out No. 2 Michigan, 2-0. Their last two games saw them explode for 12 goals, so Penn State's defense will need to be ready.

The Dukes are currently in second place in the Colonial Athletic Association, which boasts seven teams that are ranked or have received votes.

JMU's five-game winning streak has been led by nine goals apiece from forward Verlee Goudswaards and forward Janelle Perlis.

Senior back Kelly Concini, while well aware of the high level of competition that will be faced this weekend, is not concerned.

She says the Lions are fit and strong.

"We've been looking at the big picture all season long," she said.

"We've been running and working as hard as we can to keep up our fitness so when we go into weekends like this we're ready."