Maybe it's the swagger that comes with winning a few games that has given the Nittany Lions a new outlook on the season. Now they have to get past the Bison.

The Penn State men's lacrosse team (4-5, 2-2 ECAC) looks to extend its winning streak to three games as it heads to Bucknell tonight at 7 for an out-of-conference intrastate matchup.

Coming off a big win against Navy on Saturday in which the Lions snapped a 10-game losing skid against the Midshipmen, Penn State has found a new sense of confidence that it will take onto the field against the Bison. Penn State is currently on a two-game winning streak, its longest of the season.

"There's momentum, we have a bunch of big wins we're going off of," sophomore Will Jones said. "We've been playing hard and working hard but something wasn't quite there. Now it looks like we've kind of figured out what's going on."

As a midfielder, Jones is part of a revamped Penn State offense that has contributed greatly in the recent wins going into tonight's game.

"We finally found what was wrong with us," Jones said. "Hopefully we can carry it through and keep on going throughout the season."

Looking toward Bucknell, the Lions will have to contest with a veteran team, comprised of upperclassman leaders at all positions.

"They are very talented, senior dominated team," Penn State men's lacrosse coach Glenn Thiel said. "It should be just like last year. It's a very even rivalry."

Leading the Bison in scoring is Chris Cara, who has 16 goals on the season. However, Bucknell has proven strong on the defensive front, as the team has garnered four Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors in four weeks.

Senior goalie Justin Sussman has won the award twice while defensive midfielders Justin Salma and Ryan Goodman have been recognized once. Sussman is also the nation's leader in save percentage.

On the other side of the field, Penn State is led by Nate Whitaker and Marshall Feldman with 16 and 15 goals, respectively.

Both players have been key factors in the Lions' recent success.

"The biggest difference is that we're a bit more patient on offense," Thiel said. "I don't mind shooting, but we're more selective and we hold the ball a little longer than we used to."

Although tonight's game has no bearing on Penn State's conference schedule, neither the players or coaches are taking the game lightly. Bragging rights for Pennsylvania lacrosse are on the line.

"It's going to be as big a test that we have all year," Thiel said.

"The only thing of any importance to us right now is Bucknell. We have to play to our capabilities and we'll be fine."