Three straight losses after 17 consecutive wins came as a surprise for last year's Penn State field hockey team (9-2, 1-0 Big Ten). The time is now for redemption for one of those losses.

After a stellar season, the Lions were expected to make a decent showing in the Big Ten tournament. Instead they were eliminated in the first round by a 3-3 Michigan team, 2-1.

Tonight at 6, the No. 9 Lions will play No. 20 Michigan (5-5, 1-0) at AstroTurf field. For Penn State, the meeting will mark the return to Big Ten play after a 3-2 victory over Syracuse on Wednesday, extending its winning streak to nine games.

The win against Syracuse was far from easy, though, as Penn State only played with the lead during the last 12 minutes. Tonight's opponent has a number of tools that could potentially be tough for the Lions.

"They are very fundamentally challenging," Penn State coach Char Morett said. "They play a really good passing game. They move the ball around the field, up and down."

After a below average performance on Wednesday, the defense will need to be more consistent and aggressive, especially in the one-on-one battles. The Lions might have an upgrade in the backfield with the possible returns of senior Carey Maser and junior Mallory Weisen.

Maser was out for more than a week after being hit in the face with a stick during practice, while Weisen was sidelined this week with a concussion.

Both players bring a leadership and voice to the backfield that has been missing of late.

The offensive side of the ball needs to improve from its showing at Syracuse as well. The goals were there, but sound play was sometimes questionable. And inconsistency has been an issue at times this season.

"We need to put our two halves together," junior Shaun Banta said. "We need to play well in the first half, then play well in the second half, especially [against Michigan]."

Banta and the Penn State offense will have to take on one of the best goalkeepers in the Big Ten in Michigan senior Beth Riley. Last year, Riley led the Big Ten in saves and finished second to Penn State alum Megan Akstin in shutouts.

As of early this week, Penn State sat at No. 6 in the Big Ten in shots and shots per game. Coach Morett hopes that her players can make smart decisions in front of the cage, and keep their composure against an experienced goalkeeper.

"They have very good goaltending," Morett said. "We just have to make sure we're taking care of the opportunities inside the 25."

Besides all the specific improvements that need to be executed tonight, Penn State comes into the matchup with a score to settle. Michigan had a big role in the end of last year's miracle season.

"We'd love to get them back for knocking us out of the tournament last year," Banta said.

"We're well-prepared and we're going to be ready. We just need to stick to the gameplan and we should be fine."