There are many things on the to-do list of the Penn State women's tennis team for the week ahead. It will be competing in two matches, and, most importantly, training as much as possible.

The Nittany Lions (4-3) will first start off conference play on Sunday with an away match against Indiana. The team will then travel to San Diego, where it will train and compete in a neutral-site match against North Carolina State on Tuesday.

The women have been competing very well lately, picking up win after win along the way. They started off the season a little slowly, but have been able to make adjustments where necessary.

"They know that there is definitely room to improve, and that's what we are trying chip away at in practice," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said. "They know that going into Indiana, and it being our first Big Ten match, they just want to continue to control the controllables. That's really been a big theme of ours."

The doubles point has been an area which has been improving in the past couple of matches. The Lions came away with two of the three doubles matches in their last match. Due to those results, Baker will use the same lineup against Indiana, hoping for equal success.

"We're definitely improving," freshman Dorothy Dohanics said. "We're trying different combinations of girls and seeing who works better together. I think we are finally figuring out who works better together."

The match against Indiana marks the beginning of conference play for this season. The Hoosiers have dominated the Lions in the past, and are looking to continue their success against Penn State. Last year, Penn State lost to Indiana at home by a close score of 4-3. Indiana finished third in the Big Ten last year and is currently ranked No. 27 in the nation.

Penn State is looking to turn the tables on Indiana and prove that the Hoosiers are beatable. It will be a tough competition, but the Lions are ready to prove that they will put up a strong fight against a worthy opponent.

"I personally am excited," junior Sasha Abraham said. "I don't think because it's Indiana, but just the idea of having a Big Ten match makes it exciting. Plus, Indiana is ranked, and I always enjoy facing ranked teams."

Although the competition will be much tougher at Indiana, the N.C. State match will also be a big step for this year's team. According to Baker, the most important thing about the team's trip to California is to gain exposure to the outdoors.

"N.C. State definitely has a far greater advantage, having been in warmer weather," Baker said. "Spring break is a big training trip for us, so we have to come back with some good days under our belts. It can take a while to get used to the elements."

The team will be practicing two times a week, as well as using the time for additional team bonding. Most importantly, the players will be working hard to continue improving.

"We've got players that are doing everything within their control," Baker said. "They just have a real passion to improve. In the end, that is what is making them get better, and helping the team get better."