Just when it seemed like the Penn State softball lineup had finally become solidified, Penn State coach Robin Petrini pulled yet another move, taking leadoff hitter Jen Williams out of the lineup entirely.

It has yet to be determined who will be at the top of the lineup as the Nittany Lions venture into enemy territory for the second time this season when they face Wisconsin (20-19, 4-8) at 6 p.m. today and again tomorrow at noon. The Lions then head to Iowa (34-17, 9-5) for a doubleheader at noon Sunday.

The absence of Williams, lead-off hitter and usual starting left fielder, from the lineup remains a mystery a day after a sweep of Kent State. Petrini didn't comment on the status of the left fielder, but said she wasn't injured.

It seemed like a bizarre gamble this late in the season, particularly with Williams' offensive success throughout the entire Big Ten schedule.

On defense though, Williams has had anything but success. In the three games before becoming the designated player in the Michigan finale, Williams badly misjudged three fly balls, only one of which was charged an error. Each could have cost the Lions a game.

To replace Williams, freshman Danielle Kinley moved over from right field, giving Megan Wolfer her job back in the lonely corner.

"Danielle has played great," Petrini said. "She has just done everything we have asked her to do. She's a great hitter, outfielder and contributor."

Wolfer took advantage of the opportunity and played as if she'd never been out of the lineup, going 3-8 in the mid-week doubleheader.

The leadoff position in the lineup was handed over to unlikely candidate Ashley Esparza. Esparza, who is a solid leadoff hitter in respect to her on-base percentage, but certainly not on her speed, handled her lineup position adjustment well, getting on base five times in 10 plate appearances and scoring three runs.

Penn State is looking to improve its road conference record after a 1-3 start that also began the team's only downward spiral, a seven game slump.

With the playoffs only two weeks away, Petrini said it's still way too early to determine who will host the Big Ten Championships. Home-field advantage is granted to the regular season champions.

"That picture could clear up this weekend," Petrini said. "It should be clearer, but it could be more muddy. That's the fun of being in conference play."