The Penn State women's soccer team has always been used to winning in Happy Valley. As of late, playing at home has been quite routine.

That will be the case again this Sunday, as the Nittany Lions host Boston College in the third round of the NCAA tournament.

The contest marks the sixth straight game the team will be playing on Jeffrey Field.

After running the table in the Big Ten tournament and defeating Niagara and Villanova in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the Lions will be taking on a Boston College team red hot after upsetting No. 3 seed Rutgers last weekend.

Even though it took the Eagles until penalty kicks to finish off the upset, Lions head coach Paula Wilkins is well aware of what challenges they bring to the table.

"They're extremely athletic and a well coached team," Wilkins said. "Obviously, to get to this part of the NCAAs, they've been successful. They have a great defender with Laura Georges and a good attack with Kia McNeill and Gina DiMartino. Their center midfield is very organized and very hardworking, getting pressure on the ball.

"They have potential to score goals [Sunday]."

If Penn State can shut down the Boston College attack, it will mark the sixth time in seven seasons the Lions advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.

Even though Penn State is a No. 2 seed, and the Eagles are unseeded, the Lions are still expecting a very close and tough soccer game when the they meet on the field.

"It's going to be an equal game and very quality game," Wilkins said. "We both are going to have chances and the team that takes them the best is going to be the victor."

Any opponent playing on Jeffrey field has to capitalize on any chance against Penn State's defense if it hopes to win, as the Lions seem almost unbeatable at home.

Sunday's game also marks the probable last home game for the team this season, as No. 1 seed Notre Dame would have home field advantage if it beats Colorado this weekend.

With all concentration on the Eagles and most likely the team's last game at Jeffrey Field this season, a possible showdown with Notre Dame down the road has garnered no attention.

"We are looking right at Boston College right now," Wilkins said. "It's the only game I see and the only game I'm worrying about."

In years past, the last home game to end a Penn State soccer season has been emotional, and this season, with all the adversity the team has faced, is no different.

"It's going to be pretty special," Wilkins said.

"We always talk about defending Jeffrey Field and playing with some pride on Jeffrey. I'd like to see the seniors leave Jeffrey on a winning note, and hopefully they bring that to the game on Sunday and be victorious."