Going into the weekend, the No. 4 Penn State ACHA Division I Icers (14-2-0, 14-1-0 ACHA) were cruising through their schedule. They hadn't lost in nine games and were lighting up the scoreboard with ease, and keeping opponents' offenses at bay.

However, this weekend's series with Rhode Island potentially could have been a major roadblock for Penn State. Having to play the No. 2 Rams (13-4-0, 13-3-0) in the Brad Boss Arena, where they had never lost before, was a challenge that may have looked too daunting to some.

It wasn't.

The Icers left Kingston, R.I., with two more tallies in the win column and a boost of confidence after sweeping the Rams by scores of 5-2 and 4-3.

Rhode Island's home-ice advantage is well known throughout the ACHA. Its student section, which is directly behind the visitor's bench, made sure the Icers had a hard time hearing the entire weekend.

"You have to play pretty well to beat Rhode Island, especially in their own rink," forward Luke DeLorenzo said. "It was really nice to sweep them. When you can beat a team on the road, it's always fun."

On Friday night, Rhode Island opened up the scoring, taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. The Icers came back strong, though, scoring three goals in the second period.

Holding a 4-1 lead in the third period, the Icers missed a few opportunities to put the game away, allowing the Rams to creep back into contention with a goal. But that's the last they would put past goaltender Nick Signet as Penn State held on for the win.

"We played really fast and really got on their defense. I don't think they played teams this year as fast as us," forward Mike McMullen said.

The intensity didn't let up on Saturday, as the Icers continued to try to disrupt the play of Rhode Island goalie Anthony Feyock.

"We were able to get pressure in front of Feyock," DeLorenzo said. "That's something you need to do because he's usually going to see the first shots."

Defenseman Chris Lepore netted his first goal as an Icer on Saturday, with forward Dave Herel and DeLorenzo adding a goal apiece. With the score tied late in the third period, forward Nate Obringer put in the game-winner.

"I think we're a pretty confident team already, but this helps," McMullen said. "We're going to try to stay level-headed and keep getting better."

The Icers will not play again until Dec. 1, so they will have a break before trying to extend their 11-game winning streak. The team hopes it can build on these big wins, and won't let up in its quest for a national championship.

"We just have to realize we haven't done anything yet and we have to keep trying to improve," DeLorenzo said.