Consider this weekend's women's track and field meet a fancy practice.

Penn State women's track and field coach Beth Alford-Sullivan describes the Penn State Women's Open, to be held noon tomorrow at the Multi-Sport Facility, as a "train-through weekend."

"A lot of people are working very hard this week, and most of the time you train through the week to have a good performance," Alford-Sullivan said. "This week, we're trying to train through and not worry about Saturday."

Of course, that's not to say Alford-Sullivan doesn't care how her team produces. Much like last week's Penn State Relays, the Open will not tally team scores. However, the Nittany Lions set meet, facility and team records in various events last week .

Senior All-America thrower Jennifer Leatherman was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week as a result of her first-place finishes in the 20-pound weight throw and the shot put.

"If you get a great [performance] when you're training hard, that's even better," Alford-Sullivan said.

While Alford-Sullivan's focus may be on working the kinks out, the Lions are looking at the meet in a different light.

Following Saturday's dominant performance, Penn State is working with lots of confidence

At the Relays, coaches toyed with the events, placing athletes in events they wouldn't normally run. This weekend's meet allows the Lions to compete in events they are more comfortable with.

"They're gonna throw us more in our own events, so we can show off even more of our talent," sophomore sprinter and jumper Gayle Hunter said. "It's gonna be a good meet."

The Lions' agenda is crystal clear: they want blood in the Big Ten.

Stellar scores in events they don't usually compete in are good signs that they intend to quench their thirst.

"We know that we're really good as a team, but we don't see it on paper," junior high jumper Amber Strouse said. "It makes us really excited to see what we can do and see it recorded."

This weekend, competition from unattached athletes -- athletes without any team affiliation -- and sponsored athletes, may light a little extra fire under Penn State.

Last year, former national champion in the triple jump and the heptathlon GiGi Miller competed, but Alford-Sullivan doesn't expect anyone of that caliber tomorrow.

She shouldn't worry. The Lions are hungry, and whether a snack or an entree, they aim to devour all opposition in sight.