A trip to Columbus, Ohio, means a lot to any Penn State team, but for the women's tennis team this weekend is a chance to reverse the direction of their season.

Kicking off Big Ten competition at Ohio State excites the Nittany Lions (1-3), who look to put three straight losses behind them this weekend.

"I feel like we're in a good place, which is typical before the start of the Big Ten season," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said.

Today, Penn State hosts George Washington University at 3 p.m. in the Sarni Tennis Center, before playing the Buckeyes at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Both its opponents this weekend come in without a win this spring.

GW lost to nearby foes William & Mary, Old Dominion, and Richmond in its first three meets of the season.

It appears to be a good test for the Lions, who have struggled against stronger teams the last two weekends.

"We're looking forward to getting another match under our belts before Ohio State," Baker said.

Ohio State has been the focus of the Lions attention this week in hopes of surprising the Buckeyes.

While Ohio State is still a very tough opponent, it lost its first two matches of the spring against highly ranked Tennessee and Notre Dame.

"I think this is a team we can upset," Baker said.

Traditionally this rivalry has been heated and close. Last year, the Buckeyes emerged with 4-3 win.

"They always come out feisty, so it's easy to have good energy against them," Baker said.

Baker said she felt good about the team's improved play and attitude in last week's losses and hopes that will translate into wins this weekend.

"If we elevate our play the way we did last weekend, I think we have a good shot," Baker said.

-- By Steve Clancy