In each of the past two seasons, the Penn State women's rugby team finished as runners-up to the national champions.

This spring the Lady Ruggers will look to change the storyline, and they have the inside track to do so.

By defeating American University in its last match of the fall, the team compiled a 6-5-1 record and captured the No. 1 ranking for the spring season in the Potomac Rugby Union.

Over the winter, the Lady Ruggers faced a rigorous conditioning regimen that consisted of endurance running and sprints. They were also encouraged to lift weights three times per week, said Lady Rugger Kim Magrini.

Now that the long winter workouts are finished, the team will travel across the Atlantic Ocean to spend its spring break in the south of France for a fun-filled week. However, the Lady Ruggers will have more than just sightseeing on their minds.

They plan on playing at least four games and will have several practices over the one-week span. In addition, they will drop in on several professional games to see how their French counterparts are playing the sport.

Among the stops on the tour will be Toulouse and Banyuls for games in nearby towns as well as several sightseeing stops and a trip to the beach.

When it returns to the U.S., the team will have little time to prepare for its Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union quarterfinal match at home against Virginia Tech on March 22.

Being the No. 1 seed may put a target on the back of the Lady Ruggers, but the team remains focused on the task at hand -- returning to the final four and winning a national championship.

"[Being the No. 1 seed] is a slight pressure, but we stick to our game plan," captain Devon Boyle said. "We're sick of being second place."

In the fall, the Lady Ruggers were led by the play of Katie Gloyer, who scored 13 tries for a total of 65 points. She was followed closely in scoring by teammate Amber Benlian, who scored 11 tries and had two conversions for 57 points.

"We have more work to do to make it to final fours and hopefully win the national championship," Boyle said.

The trip to France could provide a springboard to the rest of the spring season.