Norfolk who? That may be the question that most Penn State students are asking themselves when looking at this weekend's match-up between the Penn State baseball team (1-1) and the Norfolk State Spartans (6-5).

But the same can't be said for the 33 Nittany Lions players who now see traveling down to Virginia to play Norfolk State a regular event.

Penn State, which has beaten the Spartans 11 straight times, with the latest victories coming two seasons ago, are trying to gain some momentum after splitting a two-game series last weekend with Virginia.

Senior catcher Matt Harter who, after going 5-for-7 with two RBI last weekend was named Big Ten Player of the Week, leads the Lions.

The one change that Norfolk State may expect could be the return to the outfield of captain Brett Showalter. Showalter, who is coming off shoulder surgery, was given the OK by doctors to "start throwing aggressively" on Wednesday and he will be a game time decision.

Showalter was Penn State's designated hitter last weekend, but could only muster one hit in two games.

"If he's capable of playing, he'll be in right field," Penn State baseball coach Joe Hindelang said.

On the mound it will be the same as usual for the Lions as their two aces, Jim Farrell and Clayton Hamilton, are currently listed as the probable starters.

While some may see an opening-day loss as a bad omen, Hindelang refuses to see many negatives in this past weekend's split, especially since he had several freshmen in the field at the same time.

"The big surprise was the play of [Travis] Laird and Craig Clark," Hindelang said. "Those two were really bright spots for us last weekend."

Despite the fact that Norfolk State has won five straight games, Hindelang doesn't worry about the "other team" too much. Instead, he is more concerned with getting his team ready for the weekend.

"It's not about what the other team does," Hindelang said. "I'm looking to win both games and to see improvement from last weekend."

--By Tony Calvello