In most cases, traveling on the road for a game, meet or match and not knowing what to expect from your team is a recipe for disaster.

The Penn State boxing team found itself in that situation Saturday as it ventured to Shippensburg University for a set of matches that would undoubtedly be a tell-tale sign of where it stands at this point of the season. What the Nittany Lions came away with was a surprising and encouraging showing against fighters from Lock Haven University and Mansfield University, as well as those from Shippensburg, by winning three of five matches.

"This weekend was a very good showing for our team. I was very impressed by what I saw," Penn State boxing coach Alex Komlev said. "Actually, I am kind of surprised by how well everyone fared in the matches this weekend."

Shaz Kahn was overmatched in the first bout and lost by decision. The team rebounded strongly, however, taking three straight behind Vitaly Libman, Chuck Pegana, and Bret King. King, the team's senior leader, was most impressive in his victory, easily defeating a Lock Haven fighter.

"I just try to go out and fight hard, set an example to the younger guys by doing well," King said. "I was impressed by how everybody competed their first time out, and if we keep up our conditioning the way we have been and learn to get more relaxed in the ring, we should be alright."

The Lions dropped the last fight behind lone heavyweight Jason Winwood. The senior, giving away almost 30 pounds to his opponent, still showed signs of toughness and improvement by barely losing a tough decision.

Komlev remains very optimistic after watching his team fight with heart andtranslate the weeks of hard work and strenuous practice into success.

"Everyone seemed to look better in the ring than they did at practice," Komlev said. "We still need to work on some basic things, need to keep our hands up, throw more punches."