After going winless in its previous four games, the Penn State women's soccer team got the victory it was looking for to jumpstart its season.

Last night, the Lions (2-2-2) defeated Bucknell (1-3-1) 1-0 at Jeffrey Field. After dropping Friday's contest, 2-1, to No. 17 West Virginia at home, their first loss at home since 2004, the Lions were in dire need of a win. With only one win in five games, the Lions were off to the worst start in team history.

The victory, although against an unranked opponent, was an important step to turning the season around.

"We're taking it one game at a time," junior forward Aubrey Aden-Buie said. "Our goal today was to win, and we got that. Hopefully we can keep going in the right direction."

If this win was important to start the Lions on the path to improvement, then the loss to West Virginia (5-0) was important to motivate the turnaround. The defeat snapped a 16-game home unbeaten streak.

After falling behind 2-0 early in the second half, the Lions found themselves playing catch-up, but it was a case of too little too late.

"I was extremely discouraged by [the pressure we put on]" Wilkins said, "because that was the pressure we should've put on the entire game."

The team responded to head coach Paula Wilkins' disappointment in intensity and ball control by dominating the game in both areas. The offense kept the pressure on Bucknell the entire game, posting 24 shots on goal, a turnaround from Friday's loss, where the Lions posted 11 shots.

However, head coach Paula Wilkins still wasn't satisfied.

"I thought we did a better job, still not the level that I want us to be at the moment," Wilkins said. "But I think it's a step in the right direction. Obviously, to get a win is something we need."

Looking to replace the Big Ten's all-time goal scoring leader, Tiffany Weimer, Aden-Buie has stepped up to score the last three goals for the Lions. She stressed the importance of a team offense, not solely relying solely on individual efforts.

"It's hard when you lose a goal scorer like that," Aden-Buie said. "On offense it's nice because there's not one person we look to get it to, we look to get good combinations, get it wide, get a good cross, and get people in the box."

The strategy succeeded, as the Lions were able to work their will against the Bison defense. Aden-Buie scored the lone goal on an unassisted shot to the upper-left corner of the net from right in front of the goal. She was open to take the shot when her teammates made runs to confuse the defense.

The defense also showed improvement. After Friday's loss, head coach Paula Wilkins was unhappy with the organization in the back. However, yesterday, they limited the Bucknell offense to three shots on goal the entire game, and freshman goalkeeper Kate Milstead made one save in her season debut.

The game featured a new keeper along with a new mix of defenders. Injuries have plagued the Lions, and many players have been moved out of their accustomed positions. Captain Ali Kreiger, an All-American midfielder, started at center back, controlling the defensive unit.

"I'm willing to play where ever you want to put me on the field," Krieger said. "With the injuries to our center backs, I'm willing to step up and take care of business there."

After suffering a loss and getting a much-needed win, the Lions are not getting too high or too low. Rather, they are taking it each game at a time.

"Each game is a huge game for us, no matter who we play," Kreiger said. "Whether it's the Notre Dames or the Bucknells, every game matters and every game is huge, and it's exciting."