As Yogi Berra, former Yankees catcher and attempted philosopher, once said, "Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical."

The math might not add up, but Penn State Sports Psychologist Dave Yukelson agrees that this Yogi-ism sums up sports, in general, as well as the Penn State women's basketball team.

With that, he offers a strange idea.

"Success should be based on progress, not always wins and losses," Yukelson said. "People have to be patient."

In his 17th year as the sports psychology coordinator for the Morgan Academic Support Center for Penn State athletes, Yukelson might not be personally involved with the Lady Lions on a day-to-day basis, but his knowledge tells him that there are more important things than winning.

With a young team in place, the Lady Lions have struggled to an 8-10 record. They have struggled with both growing pains and physical pains. Four freshmen still have to adapt to the college game.

"Fans are always expecting wins," Yukelson said. "Not that they aren't talented, but they have to learn the speed of the game."

Guards Mashea Williams, Brianne O'Rourke and Kamela Gissendanner are still suffering from nagging injuries. These problems have hampered timing and execution.

"It's an ideal situation to have your 'A' game," Yukelson said. "But it's important to have the mental toughness to compete with your 'B' game and your 'C' game."

This year's grade on performance from fans has not been high. Yet Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland has talked her way through a rare losing season by saying "keep your eye on the prize."

But fans have still had trouble relating to that ideology. Stress has clamped onto the hearts and minds of these watchful observers in the stands. While Portland has remained calm, message boards have erupted with negative debate on the season's outlook. Keeping in mind the future irritates anxious fans.

"In general, [stress] is more of an issue for fans than coaches," Yukelson said. "[Fans] don't understand the process and the effort that goes on behind the scenes."

Yukelson uses the ultimate backstage pass to evaluate athletes: the human mind. Problem is, science can put no timetable on improved statistical results, such as turnovers, rebounds and steals. The essentials for winning come in steps.

First, it's all about learning from every mistake. Junior forward Amanda Brown and freshman point guard Brianne O'Rourke have plenty to think about, with 133 combined turnovers.

Second, the Lady Lions need to develop a "warrior persona." Portland stated after the Illinois game that her players "aren't fighters yet," but Yukelson believes the Penn State players can take a lesson from the "road warrior," AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

"They just took it upon themselves to take the situation the season presented them and to not let that stop them from accomplishing their goals," Yukelson said.

And while the Lady Lions aren't "going to the Su-u-per Bowl," Penn State fans can be content knowing that there are positives to this season. Yukelson believes that the team's prognosis isn't completely grim.

After a 91-48 win over Northwestern, Yukelson sees a potential for more wins in the future. As Penn State returns home on Thursday to play Iowa, a win could act as a launching point to more victories.

"This can certainly act as a springboard for the rest of the season," Yukelson said. "Success breeds confidence."

A vote of approval from fans may be in the distant future, but Yukelson gives his own soothing opinion.

"It harder for fans to deal with growing pains," he said. "But it will all be OK."