Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland was hospitalized late Sunday evening following the team's return from Austin, Texas, where it had competed in the State Farm Tip-Off Classic.

Portland began feeling ill during the return trip following the Lady Lions' 84-69 loss to No. 2 Texas. The Lady Lions' plane reached the University Park Airport at approximately 11 p.m. at which time Portland was taken to Mount Nittany Hospital due to fainting spells.

Penn State Director of Athletic Medicine Dr. Wayne Sabastianelli said that Portland was hospitalized to rule out medical reasons as the cause of the spells.

Portland was still on the inpatient roster at Mount Nittany hospital as of 5 p.m. yesterday, but due to hospital regulations no comment could be made concerning her condition or when she will be released.

Erin Whiteside, the Lady Lions' sports information contact, said Portland seemed to be feeling better yesterday and was in good spirits while talking to visitors.

In a press release, the Penn State Athletic Department said that it expects Portland to be able to make the trip to Durham, N.C. for Friday's game against No. 6 Duke.

If Portland's health does not allow her to coach against the Blue Devils, associate head coach Annie Troyan will assume head coaching duties.