Game day -- without a doubt, it's the best, most rewarding part of being an athlete. But what makes this day just a little more spectacular is rivalry and tough competition -- the two ingredients that have given the Penn State women's tennis team something to look forward to this weekend.

The Nittany Lions are traveling to Wisconsin today in preparation for their 11 a.m. match tomorrow. From there, the team will head to Northwestern for another 11 a.m. match on Sunday.

The Lions are eager to take on two Big Ten squads that will be tough to beat. Last year, Penn State fell to Wisconsin in a close 4-3 match. This year, the team is hoping for a different outcome.

"Playing them will be something we'll look forward to," junior Sasha Abraham said. "We have a healthy rivalry, and they're a fun team to play."

Northwestern has been by far the strongest team in the Big Ten for many years, so while it will be tough for the Lions to pull out a victory, this will be a good chance for them to see where they stand.

"It's always fun playing a team that's that strong," Abraham said. "We should never rule out anything from our part."

Junior Katelyn BeVard said competing against Northwestern is a huge opportunity to play some really good players and get some good experience.

"Big Ten matches are always fun, really competitive and exciting," she said.

The team has been fine-tuning its play this week in preparation for the tough opponents. The Lions have been focusing on their outdoor practices, as this will be their first outdoor match since spring break. The team is continuing to do a lot of doubles work as well as a lot of drills to work the point.

"Big Ten teams are not going to give us any points," BeVard said.

Individual players are also working on their game -- fixing serves, returns and other fundamental problems.

The team is well-prepared and confident enough to accept the challenges it will be presented.

"I just think that knowing you are playing against a Big Ten team sparks something within us," Abraham said. "Automatically, it creates a different sense of excitement."

After having the large home crowd support last weekend, the Lions will feel a sense of emptiness in Wisconsin, but no one's really complaining.

"I like traveling, we haven't traveled in a while so it might be a good change," BeVard said.