Thanksgiving break could not have started out more disappointing for the No. 7 Penn State women's basketball team (3-1), but it could not have ended on a more promising note.

After being shocked by Old Dominion Tuesday night in a 75-68 loss, the Lady Lions traveled to Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas to overcome George Washington 77-51 Friday and No. 9 Kansas State 69-56 Saturday in the Junkanoo Jam tournament.

After handily defeating LSU in the season and home opener, the three-game road trip presented a new type of test for the Lady Lions, a team that last season had few difficulties at home, but struggled to win on the road.

Tuesday, Nov. 25: Old Dominion 75, Penn State 68

The Lions got a surprise from unranked Old Dominion, as they were outscored by the Lady Monarchs 38-27 in the first half, a deficit from which they were unable to recover. Free throws helped the Monarchs rack up points, as they lined up at the free throw line a total of 26 times. In addition, Old Dominion forward Monique Coker delivered a convincing performance by shooting 10 for 13 and scoring 26 points.

Junior point guard Jess Strom led the Lions' offensive effort with 17 points, while freshman center Reicina Russell had her breakout performance, also scoring 17 points and contributing a team-high 13 rebounds. Senior guard Kelly Mazzante contributed 14 points while senior forward Jess Brungo added 10, but the second half scoring surge proved to not be enough, sealing the disappointing loss for the Lions.

Friday, Nov. 28: Penn State 77, George Washington 51

After suffering their first loss of the season, the women came out ready to reassert themselves against George Washington. Shooting 59 percent in the first half, the Lions took a 22-point lead by halftime. It was the trio of Strom, Brungo and junior guard Tanisha Wright that led the scoring effort with 17, 16 and 16 points, respectively. Mazzante again struggled early, as she missed six first-half baskets, but was able to finish with 13 points for the game.

The Lions out-rebounded the Colonials 37 to 27, an impressive showing for a team that has struggled with post play. The women were also able to effectively pressure George Washington, recording nine steals. With the early lead, all 10 players on the game roster were able to see double digit minutes, beneficial for giving the younger players experience as well as determining successful combinations on the court. With the win, the squad earned the right to face Kansas State, the winner of the Kansas State-Arizona State matchup.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Penn State 69, Kansas State 56

As Kansas State was the top competition of the three-game road excursion, this win was the most satisfying and telling for the Lions. After falling behind at the onset, the women fought their way back into the lead by halftime. Wright led all scorers with an explosive 23 points, while Mazzante and Strom had 16 and 15, to round out the trio of Lions scorers in double digits. This game further solidified Strom's increased offensive role.

The second half was the stronger half for Penn State, as it outscored Kansas State by eight points and improved its shooting to 50 percent. While the Lions were outrebounded by Kansas State by nine, two of the post players, starting center Ashli Schwab and Russell, were in foul trouble for much of the second half.

Following the victory, Wright was named tournament MVP for her back-to-back solid performances, while both Mazzante and Strom were named to the all-tournament team.

The three-game road trip proved to the women that they can easily be surprised by the competition, especially while on the road, but also that they are capable of overcoming Top 25 opponents away from the Bryce Jordan Center. As they head back to the gym to prepare to travel to Maryland on Wednesday, one thing is for certain: their plans for the season have not changed.