Prizes and surprises are two things to look for this weekend as the Penn State women's tennis team hosts Marshall at 5 p.m. today and St. John's at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said that Marshall is one of the better teams in the Eastern Region and always comes out for matches well-prepared.

"We had a close one with them last year so they will be ready to come out against us," Baker said. "My goal is that we continue to go from match-to-match and focus on things that will help the team to make that next step."

Junior Sasha Abraham said she and her teammates are very excited to compete this weekend because home matches are always really great for the Lions.

"Marshall and us have a very healthy competition. Two years ago they beat us and last year we beat them at Marshall so it will be interesting," Abraham said. "I'm sure all of us will go in with a positive attitude."

Abraham will get plenty of time on the court for both doubles and singles matches as one of the team's strongest players.

It will be her third year competing against Marshall.

Marshall lost some seniors since its last meeting with the Nittany Lions, but it has gained some talent from incoming freshman, making it more challenging for both team coaches to create matchups.

"I think last weekend for a couple of them, it had been a bit disappointing in certain aspects of the game and they're looking for another match to adapt and make those changes," Baker said. "You work during the week and then you have fun competing."

Sophomore Jenny Shular will return to the lineup, getting another match under her belt after being out with mononucleosis.

"She's still looking to hit that stride," Baker said. "A bit sporadic for her, but it will come with more match play."

The Lions will also face St. John's, a less familiar opponent than Marshall.

"St. John's has quite a few international students on their team, some good players that we have seen at regional qualifiers," Baker said. "A team that will force us to step up and compete, that will press us and make us play which is what we want."

These are the experiences you grow from regardless of the outcome."

The Lions hope that they will walk away with their most coveted prize pack this weekend, double wins against Marshall and St. John's, but that's not all the team has planned.

The fans may also walk away with a little surprise. There will be a "hit for prize" event in between the doubles and singles portion of the match. Some lucky fans will get their chance to swing at a tennis ball -- if they strike, they go home with a little something of their own.