The Penn State women's cross-country team has always had lots of spirit.

But over the last few years, there has been an addition to that. The team, after much construction, has gained talent. And tomorrow, it will be ready to make its debut for the 2003 season at the Spiked Shoe Invitational on the Blue-White course at 10 a.m.

The Lions are looking to start the year with a bang and win the event -- something that should not be far out of reach.

"We should dominate," said volunteer assistant coach Kim McGreevy. "We are ready to get the season rolling and get back into uniform."

Fourteen teams will be racing Penn State's squad on the Blue-White Golf Course. Four high school competitions will follow throughout the afternoon.

Most of the schools attending are Div. II, including Allegheny College, Youngstown State University, Carnegie Mellon, and several others. However, Shippensburg holds a number four spot in the regional rankings, with Clarion and Bloomsburg not far behind. Not that they should be able to compete with Division I, No. 21 Penn State.

Sophomore Tracey Brauksieck, the team's top runner who hold's the course record, has confidence her team will prevail, though she is a little more modest about her own performance.

"Our team will win," said Brauksieck. " Personally, I'm just hoping to go out and run a good race, maybe get a [personal record]."

Despite her humbleness, Brauksieck is favored to take first place honors. It would be her second consecutive title.