Last year at this time, the Penn State women's rugby team was on its way to Stanford, Calif. to compete against Navy in the semifinals of the National Championships.

The Lady Ruggers were victorious in that match and went on to win the title.

This year, Penn State is experiencing a little déjà vu.

Once again, the Lady Ruggers will travel to Stanford to compete against none other than Navy in the semifinals. They will be hoping that the déjà vu from last year's National Championships will hold true for the remainder of the weekend.

Penn State will have a difficult test against Navy in their semifinal match today. Beside defeating Navy in last year's semifinals, Penn State has already beaten them this year, in the fall season.

"Navy and Penn State have a long and tumultuous history," Penn State captain Maggie Reed said. "They used to beat us all of the time, but lately we have been beating them. That can change at any game though. Our last meeting will be no indication of the outcome of this match. They have been getting better since the last time we saw them."

Penn State has added a few new plays in preparation for this weekend. It may have to make some personnel changes to compensate for an injury to one of the team leaders.

The Lady Ruggers may be without Reed, who broke her right hand two weeks ago in the Elite Eight against Ohio State. Reed received clearance to play from her doctor, but will now have to have her protective cast approved by the referee if she wants to see action this weekend. Regardless if she plays, Reed is confident her team can thrive without her leadership.

"We may have to shift the leadership, but that won't be a problem," she said. "All of us are leaders when we are on the field."

This will be the sixth straight year the Lady Ruggers are competing in the semifinals.

During that run, they have won two titles, including last year. However, Penn State has never put together back-to-back titles. The Lady Ruggers consider it an important feat to accomplish, not only for them, but also for the university.

"We play to bring pride and glory to Penn State," Reed said. "We're going to show the rest of the country that Penn State is in the business of winning."

If the Lady Ruggers are victorious against Navy, they will move on to compete for the National Championship on Saturday against the winner of the Princeton/Stanford match.

Penn State believes that if it plays the way it has all season, a second consecutive National Championship is well within reach.

"We feel confident in our abilities," Reed said. "We know we have to play without fear. The chance is there. We just have to go out and take it."