Having two shots at home tonight to improve its season record, the Penn State women's softball team hopes it can inch back toward .500 with a doubleheader against St. Francis (Pa.).

The Nittany Lions (14-21, 2-2 Big Ten) will finish off the tail end of a six-game home stand and get a break in the Big Ten conference schedule when they face the Red Flash at Nittany Lion Field.

The Red Flash enter the game with a shoddy 4-15 record, losing by an average of nearly five runs per game.

"We expect to take two wins from them," freshman outfielder Jen Williams said.

For the Lions, anything less would be unacceptable.

Before the season began, Penn State women's softball coach Robin Petrini said that if the Lions were going be one of the best teams in the nation, they would schedule to play the best teams in the nation. Their unflattering 14-21 record is one indicator that the road hasn't been so smooth thus far.

But tonight is a chance for many of the Lions to step into the spotlight and prove they haven't taken those tough losses for granted. Tonight they can use what they've learned to beat a weaker opponent from two hours west down Route 22.

However, the doubleheader cannot be taken as a cakewalk. If the Lions think they can win these two games with their eyes closed, it's entirely possible they could rack up another half-dozen errors on top of the embarrassing 68, they've committed this season. Their opponents' have a combined 34.

"We'll be working on batting and a lot of things defensively," Williams said. "We need to know what to do with the ball as soon as we get it and not panic with runners on base. We'll be working on a lot of everything this week."

For Williams, though, she has exceeded expectations for a true freshman leadoff batter.

She has started every game this season, batting for an impressive .330 average. In 94 at-bats, the newcomer has a team-high 31 hits.

"I feel like I'm fitting into my leadoff spot better now," Williams said. "I'm more comfortable now and I know my role on the team."

Following in Penn State softball tradition, the one constant safety net for the Lions has been pitching. Marisa Hanson, Missy Beseres and Shana Riggleman all maintain ERAs below 2.50.

To make sure the Red Storm doesn't find a way to get on base and doesn't have a chance to upset Penn State tonight, the three upperclassmen will need to stay on that dependable track.