Even after the celebration had subsided, senior midfielder Sarah Dwyer couldn't let go of the championship trophy. She entered the press conference, a smile beaming on her face, still clutching the glass treasure and placing it carefully on the table.

Her attachment to the prized memorabilia was a feeling that resonated throughout the entire Penn State women's soccer team. In a season where the team's chances to win the Big Ten were doubted, hoisting a championship trophy for a second time this season is a testament to how much the team has changed since getting off to the worst start in team history.

"We faced a lot of adversity in the beginning of the season," Dwyer said. "We knew we had to come together to do this. We really did, and it's starting to show now that we are playing well and getting performances consistently."

To cap off the season's turnaround, Penn State's victory in the Big Ten tournament this weekend was marked by several first-time accomplishments, both individually and collectively.

After winning the regular season Big Ten championship two weeks ago, Penn State captured the Big Ten tournament title for the first time since 2001. By defeating Illinois 3-1 yesterday, the Lions also picked up their first victory over the Illini this season. The only loss they suffered in Big Ten play this year was a 3-2 defeat in Champaign, Ill.

As for the individual performances, sophomore defender Jessie Davis scored her first goal and recorded her first assist of the season in the 2-0 semi-final victory against Michigan on Friday. Two other new faces were part of the offensive threat yesterday against Illinois, as Dwyer and freshman forward Katie Schoepfer each scored a goal. Dwyer's goal in the first half was her first since a 4-1 win against Michigan on Sept. 24. Schoepfer, who did not play the last weekend of the regular season due to illness, scored her first goal since Oct. 15.

These individual and collective accomplishments, though they came late in the season, are the accomplishments that defined the team. Getting different players involved in the lineup has been key to the team's late season success.

After starting the season 4-2-2, the worst start in team history, the Lions have ended with two championships. For the first time in five years, the Lions have hoisted both the regular season and tournament championship trophies.

"I think winning the double defines our team right now," said senior defender Ali Krieger, who was named the top defensive player of the Big Ten tournament. "We have overcome certain obstacles in our season and finally have come together. We are starting to reach that common goal we set at the beginning of the year. What we bring on the field is fun, and we enjoy playing with each other. Winning reflects that."

As the team moves into the NCAA national tournament, the Lions are confident that they are a much different team then they were to begin the season.

"I hope the seeding people see that we have been battling through injuries early, and now we have people healthy and organized," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "The biggest thing was that this is a marathon, not a sprint. And that all the little things during the game matter. These guys are just fighters, and that bodes well for the NCAA's because it comes down to being able to battle."