Coming into the season, not only did the Penn State boxing team have little expectation -- it actually had no expectations at all.

In fact, Alex Rodriguez's first trip to the bathroom as a New York Yankee most likely garnered more anticipation than a boxing season in which only one fighter entered with in-ring experience.

However, with each new punch combo learned, with each week of successful practice, and with each winning weekend -- the Nittany Lions have won the majority of their matches for three straight weeks -- the expectations and recognition grow.

Penn State travels to Gettysburg University tomorrow night for an invitational involving Gettysburg, Army, George Washington University, and Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

This week of practice has been used to emphasize the boxers' aggressiveness and confidence, as well as maintain technique.

"We are all looking much better and all the guys seem to be doing what I ask of them with everyone doing their part," Penn State boxing coach Alex Komlev said.

Komlev plans to send three boxers to Gettysburg, leaving behind the hottest fighter on the team, Chuck Pagana. Senior leader Bret King, Vitaly Libman and Fred Schneider will make the trip.

According to Komlev, Pagana has earned a weekend off from battle.

"I don't think the rest will hurt him at all," Komlev said.

"He deserves some time to recover ... his body sure could use it."

Tomorrow's fights will again provide an indication to Penn State's depth and of its chances next month at the regional championships.

In addition, the Lions will look to improve on their recent success, as they have not yet swept the matches at any invitational this season.

Chances are that A-rod will continue to get the national attention as baseball season closes in.

But with a fourth consecutive victorious road trip capping off a stellar first month of the season, the Penn State boxing team may turn some eyes off the Yankees and toward another winning team.