Two games this weekend could decide the Penn State men's rugby team's season. The first game will be against West Chester tomorrow and if the Ruggers win, they will face either the Indiana University of Pennsylvania or Navy on Sunday.

Last weekend, the Ruggers squared off against the University of Delaware and ended up with a relatively impressive win. They played especially well on defense with their goal line stands.

"Our performance on defense was excellent," Penn State men's rugby coach Terry Ryland said. "They applied a lot of pressure with their tackling."

But not everything went as planned, as the Ruggers struggled with their handling.

"We didn't play as well as we could have," scrumhalf Justin Hundley said. "Our biggest problem was handling."

At this weekend's game, the Ruggers cannot afford to make such mistakes. Last year, West Chester frustrated the Ruggers with a sound defense and athletic ability. The Ruggers expect the same tomorrow.

"Their flyhalf and center positions are their strengths," Ryland said. "That's good for us as those positions are our strengths too. Therefore, it will be strength against strength."

Practice this week was intense for the Ruggers, focusing on ball handling and arriving in breakdown situations. This weekend's sunny conditions play into their hands, as they are a back oriented team.

"We need to get into the middle and out wide to attack," Ryland said.

With a win tomorrow, the Ruggers would face the winner of the IUP-Navy game, which will also be played tomorrow. But the Ruggers focus is on West Chester.

A win in both games would mean that the Ruggers would travel to West Point, N.Y. for the Sweet Sixteen. It also means that their families can come out and support. A loss would mean that they would have to travel to Colorado, far away from home support.