If last weekend was a valley for the Penn State softball team, then this weekend is the Nittany Lions' opportunity to return to the top.

But whether the Lions peak or fall further down the standings ladder remains to be seen. Penn State (21-7, 1-3 Big Ten) boasts the best overall record in the Big Ten but stands at eighth in the conference standings after last week's three consecutive losses.

"Where we're standing currently in the conference doesn't mean anything," Penn State coach Robin Petrini said. "It's too early to throw in the towel -- it's one weekend of many weekends that's left to play."

A similar performance this week, however, would put Penn State four games in the hole. And the Lions won't have it easy, as they host No. 15 Northwestern (23-8, 4-0) at 6 tonight and noon tomorrow and square off against Illinois (14-20, 1-3) in a doubleheader at noon Sunday.

Sophomore Jen Acunto said a repeat of last weekend won't gain the unranked Lions any respect, but winning at least three games is a whole different story.

"I really think if we come out on top this weekend, not only will we get a lot of votes, but we'll stand a good chance of being in the top 25 -- if not right outside of it," she said.

According to Acunto, last week's letdown was the result of stranding runners.

Penn State simply didn't come up with clutch hits, and Acunto said that's the key in Big Ten games because, unlike the non-conference schedule that saw 7-0 or 8-0 scores, the Lions are going to be involved mostly in 1-0 and 2-0 games.

Petrini agreed with her RBI leader and explained that's why hitting when the runners are in scoring position has been this week's emphasis.

But pitching certainly can't let up either -- the Wildcats have 27 home runs, good for third in the conference, while Penn State has 16. Two-thirds of Northwestern's lineup has three or more homers, while only two Lions boast the same statistic.

Petrini pointed out, however, that the Wildcats' park is "tiny" since it's only 190 feet to left and right field -- compared to 210 feet for Penn State.

Still, that can't explain away Penn State's second-lowest run total in the conference.

Only Minnesota -- Big Ten softball's equivalent of the Washington Generals -- has fewer hits.

Penn State has the edge in pitching, though, as the Lions are the sole team with a team ERA less than 1.00. With a strong defense and an improving offense, Acunto stressed that this weekend could provide a lift in the right direction.

"Going [at least] 3-1 this weekend will definitely not only give us confidence, but it will help us get over the hump," she said.

"If we can do that, I don't think anybody in the Big Ten will stop us."