When a team looks back at its season, the defining game is usually a big win.

In the case of the Penn State women's soccer team its defining game is a loss. It wasn't just any loss, but a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of then No.13 Michigan.

It looked like the run of four straight Big Ten regular season titles would come to an end for the Nittany Lions as the Wolverines were in the driver's seat after the impressive victory.

But, a meeting that came after the Michigan game and before their Michigan State game would set the tone for the rest of the season.

The team meeting was described by Penn State assistant coach Tim Rosenfeld as crazy and very symbolic. Whatever went on during the meeting, it has worked.

The Lions have won six straight since the loss to Michigan and have clinched at least a share of the Big Ten championship. Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins discussion with her team after the game stressed the fact that the team can't like losing. The Lions have certainly responded, out-scoring opponents 17-4 over their last six contests.

The Lions have outshot opponents 125-45 since the defeat to Michigan. Wilkins credits the cohesiveness of the lineup and the pressure of the attack for the huge advantage. The team also has been putting a bigger emphasis on putting shots on goal.

"It has been our goal that we set before games to get a lot of shots on goal," forward Christie Welsh said.

The defensive unit, which at times has looked dominant and at others has looked sloppy, responded after allowing a season-high four goals to the Wolverines. They have allowed just four goals since the Michigan game, including three shutouts.

"We are still working on a lot of things, but we are finally putting it together," defender Gillian Samuel said.

Lions goalkeepers, freshman Amanda Brown and sophomore Jaime Stich, have only had to make 18 saves over that six game stretch. Largely, in part, to an attacking offense and a defense that has improved in blocking balls before they can get on goal.

"I think we have been consistent together," Wilkins said. "The mids have done a little bit better winning balls and that alone has helped the defense."

Assistant coach Tim Rosenfeld believes that the Michigan game put things in perspective for the team.

"We responded positively," junior forward Stephanie Smith said.

"We know how being beaten 4-0 was very embarrassing for us and we wanted to fight back. We want to tell the rest of the nation that we are capable of fighting back and that was just a slip up."

It may have been a slip up, but so far it has caused the Lions to step up.