Three sisters playing around in their backyard, jumping around in the leaves. This scene is recreated all across the state this time of year when families enjoy the precious few remaining days of autumn temperatures and the final opportunities to have fun outside without the need of a parka and mittens.

This same scene is recreated almost daily at the Penn State Golf Course, where the women's golf team practices. The term "team" is used to describe this group of golfers, but judging by their actions and closeness, family might be much more appropriate.

While watching the players after practice, it is almost impossible to not notice the similarities between team and family. While seniors Evelyn Paik and Maggie Lester talked with reporters, junior Christin Pacacha threw sticks at the two and successfully made them laugh.

Then, when Paik mentioned that she had to adjust to life in the United States after leaving her home in Canada, Lester and Pacacha immediately burst into their best McKenzie brothers impressions shouting "Hockey hosers, eh" and, "I'm going to America to go to university!"

Some of our neighbors to the north might take offense to such ridicule, but Paik takes it in stride. Besides, she knows that she's given out her fair share of playful banter and it should be taken that way.

But looking past the jokes and pranks, it is easy to see the strong bond shared by these teammates. They've spent everyday together for the past few years and in doing so, the team has become an extended family.

"I'm very close with my family back home, so I was looking for an environment that would feel like home and have a family atmosphere," Lester said. "And I found the right fit at Penn State."

Lester also adds that during the recruiting process, not every school was like Penn State.

"A lot of my friends who I played junior golf with aren't close with their teams and don't spend time outside of golf with their teammates like we do," Lester said. "I couldn't even imagine being anywhere else."

At this point, Pacacha challenged Lester to a boxing match. Instead, they picked up sticks to sword fight, like two sisters playing at the park.

No one on the team would trade this experience, even if it meant adjusting to a new way of life.

"My friends at McGill and everywhere else in Canada are jealous because of the great experiences I've been able to have with this great group," Paik said.

The family feeling stays with the team, even well after practice. The teammates live together, sleep together and even eat together; Pacacha claims Lester makes the best confetti cake in Centre County.

Like any family, it's not always fun and games. An advantage to closeness is when times get tough, there are always those willing to help out.

There are lessons taught and learned everyday, passed down through the years to the incoming freshmen. The rookies aren't treated as outcasts, but are welcomed with open arms to their new family, provided they are able to take a joke.

"When I first came here I was a little nervous, but the upperclassmen really taught me that we are there for each other," said Pacacha. "And no matter what happens, we are going to be there for each other because we are a family."

Regardless of what happens on the course, the team will always have that family bond to help get through whatever trials and tribulations may arise. But, no matter the amount of love between the teammates, there will always be the joking and horseplay -- but that just comes with the territory.

"Of course we roughhouse, we're sisters, but it's tough love" Pacacha said, putting Lester into a headlock.