Usually when the term "strength of schedule" is thrown around in March, it's because of college basketball, but it's exactly what the Penn State baseball team has in mind as it goes to Texas to play in tournaments over break.

The Nittany Lions (3-1) are facing some stiff competition over the next week that include at least three games against ranked teams.

"In terms of strength of schedule, the next three weeks compare to anything we've done in my 14 years here," Penn State baseball coach Joe Hindelang said.

Before the season began, Hindelang spoke of how important putting together a tough schedule would be when it came to preparing for a possible postseason birth.

"To get an at-large bid you absolutely need to have strength of schedule," Hindelang said.

Since dropping a lopsided opener to Virgina, 7-1, the Lions have exploded on offense and played solid all-around ball -- outscoring their opposition 30-6 during their three-game winning streak. Senior catcher Matt Harter and junior first baseman Clint Eury have been a vital part of the early offensive surge, recording six hits each and driving in two and four runs respectively. Harter said he is looking forward to playing some top competition.

"In my four years, this is the first time we've played this many consecutive good teams," Harter said. "Last year we started against Arizona State and everyone was nervous ... but we showed that even though they beat us we proved we could play at that level."

-- By Derek Levarse