Like the dark clouds looming overhead, the Penn State field hockey team was ready to burst into an offensive explosion yesterday, the likes of which had not been seen through the team's first five games.

The 19th ranked Nittany Lions (2-4) beat Temple (3-4) by a score of 4 - 0 yesterday at Bigler Field. Coach Char Morett's squad played a smart, possession-oriented game, as Penn State controlled the tempo for most of the contest.

This was in stark contrast to Sunday's game against No. 4 North Carolina, in which the Tar Heels controlled the ball and kept the action on the Penn State half of the field for extended periods of time.

Explaining the improvement, Morett credited practice as well as the disparity between a very strong North Carolina team and a less acclaimed Temple squad.

"I think Carolina was very good," Morett said.

"But even then, we didn't use our possession skills when they applied pressure. Today I thought we were moving the ball all over the field. We were looking for the first option, second option. I thought that we did a good job working the ball from the back, through the midfield, to the forwards -- it was a great team effort."

Redshirt freshman Shaun Banta started the scoring with just over 5 minutes left in the first half. The speedy forward didn't stop there, netting her second goal of the game -- and third of the season -- off a second half pass from Natalie Berrena.

The super-sub had six shots on goal -- one more than the entire Temple team -- after coming off the bench.

"I think overall the team really needed this win -- we really played well together," said Banta, who now leads the team in goals.

An obvious addition to the Lions' matchup against the Owls that had been missing in recent contests was the abundance of smiles and positive attitudes among both the players and coaches.

Upon being fed a pass in the circle late in the second half, Banta had an opportunity for the hat trick. She whiffed, but ran back to her position with a sheepish grin on her face. It showed that the relief the Lions were feeling, having finally started to provide the offense they were looking for all season.

Other Lion goals came from freshman Kiersten Wood off Natalie Berrena's second assist of the game, and sophomore Annelise Legel. The goals were the second on the season for each.

Goalkeeper Megan Akstin was solid again, notching her second shutout of the season. The Big Ten defensive player of the week tallied two saves against an Owl team that was halted by Penn State's defense.

"I think Amanda Eckert stepped up her game," Morett said. "I thought the backs -- Mallory [Weisen], Sara [Cahill], and Molly [Schriver] were very steady."

On a sidenote, co-captain Karin Grap did not play before the light weekday crowd of 190 yesterday. Coach Morett said that the senior forward "hasn't been playing up to her level."

Overall, Morett was quite pleased with the team's effort and the game's outcome. After losing three games by one goal each this season, a 28-shot effort producing a four-goal victory was more than welcome.

"It feels good to win," Morett said. "I think we've played well, and I hope we can keep the momentum going."

The Lions will try to keep that momentum going on Friday, when they play host to Lafayette.