As the two teams sat at opposite ends of the field during halftime, Penn State goalie Lee Tortorelli trotted back toward her goal.

There was still time left before the second half began, but Tortorelli wanted more practice as Penn State assistant coach Andrea Hanley fired shots in her direction.

The practice was a good idea, considering Tortorelli was facing Georgetown and what Penn State women's lacrosse coach Suzanne Isidor called the best attack in the country.

The extra practice certainly didn't hurt, as Tortorelli posted 14 saves, and along with the Nittany Lions' defense was the primary reason that Penn State notched the 10-7 upset victory yesterday.

In a season that has been characterized by many more ups than downs, Tortorelli has been consistent in keeping the Lions in almost every game.

Yesterday was no exception, as she proved why she was named one of the 20 finalists for the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to the top lacrosse player in the country.

" 'Tort' was her amazing self once again," Isidor said. "She's the best goalie I've ever seen, not only with the saves, but with controlling ground balls."

The Lions' defense was more aggressive than it has been all season.

Penn State was constantly double-teaming Georgetown's attackers.

It caused 11 turnovers, many of which led to scoring opportunities for the Lions.

However, some of the aggressiveness led to penalties against Penn State, giving the Hoyas free position scoring chances.

With 7:10 left in the first half and the game knotted at two, Georgetown's second-leading scorer, Catherine Elbe, lined up for a free position opportunity, but was denied by Tortorelli.

Less than a minute later, Elbe was given another chance, but once again Tortorelli got the better of the top scorer.

Going into yesterday's game, Penn State was allowing just 9.8 shots per game on the season.

Georgetown's offensive attack sent 26 shots on net.

But Tortorelli and the Lions' defense still limited Georgetown to only seven goals, its lowest scoring output of the season.

"I think she [Tortorelli] played the best game of her career," Penn State attacker Emily Chambers said.

"Our double teams were great and everything just finally came together."

Tortorelli is one of four team captains who was responsible for attempting to try to motivate a team that has very slim postseason chances.

Isidor said motivation has never been a problem because of the senior leadership that resonates throughout the team.

"People always ask me how I will keep them motivated, and the answer is I don't have to," she said.

"We played for pride today and had no pressure on our shoulders. I probably didn't need to say a thing all game."