3 p.m. today at Sarni Tennis Center, 2 p.m. tomorrow at Levy Pavilion

The women's tennis team will get a taste of competition and settle the score with an instate rival in the first weekend of spring competition.

The Nittany Lions host American University today at 3 p.m. at the Sarni Tennis Center.

Though AU comes into State College 0-2, they won the No. 1 singles and doubles matches against Richmond last Sunday.

"They're generally strong at the top, which makes them a good team to start with," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said.

Penn State graduate Carol Daniels will be returning to State College in her eighth year as AU's coach.

After today's match the team travels to Philadelphia tomorrow to face the University of Pennsylvania at 2 p.m. in the Levy Pavilion.

The Quakers, ranked No. 44 in the country, boast a strong team including preseason ranked players Alice Pirsu and Nicole Ptak.

Last year's match with Penn left a sour taste in the mouths of the Lions.

In a match lasting nearly six hours, Penn State lost to the Quakers, who were then-ranked No. 54.

Penn won the doubles competition and split the singles competition, defeating the Lions, 4-3.

"They've been very strong in the past and we're excited to play them again," Baker said.

-- By Steve Clancy