While Meggan Quinn was dribbling up the court against Iowa last Sunday, Penn State head coach Rene Portland yelled out to her. "Do you know Inside?" Portland asked, referencing the specific play.

Quinn, a freshman who is not a point guard by trade, shook her head: no.

With starting point guard Brianne O'Rourke in foul trouble and backup Mashea Williams sidelined with a viral infection, Quinn was hastily shoved onto the court. This week in practice, Quinn has received increased reps in the point guard position, even though Williams will be available for tonight's game.

Associate head coach Annie Troyan, who works specifically with point guards, has "been in overdrive," working with Quinn this week, Portland said.

"Meggan has really risen to the occasion," Portland said.

Even though Quinn didn't have a mastery of the offense, she played significant time on Sunday and remained relatively poised. She played 23 minutes, most of which were in the first half, and had a career-high four points, four assists, one steal and only had one turnover.

"The point guard spot is different than the guard spots, but I've been looking over it all week in case Mashea still can't do her thing," Quinn said. "I can come in and be more relaxed and all right at that position."

Quinn came to Penn State as a heralded scorer, not necessarily as a floor-general.

Her senior season at Red Lion Area Senior High School, she averaged 19.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and was named first-team all-state in 2006. And in preseason practices, it was clear that Quinn had great range, never afraid to hoist a three-pointer.

At Media Day on Oct. 18, Portland had eyebrow-raising praises of Quinn.

"Meggan is a great shooter," Portland said at the time. "Hopefully one day we'll be speaking about her in terms of a Kelly Mazzante. She has a shooter's mentality. She has an enjoyment about her; there's an energy about her."

Quinn has yet to fulfill those expectations as a shooting guard, however, she's already beginning to grasp some other aspects of the game.

As a point guard, Quinn has listened to O'Rourke, who coached from the bench at times on Sunday. Practice time this week has also opened her eyes.

"Tons of responsibility," Quinn said of the position. "You have the entire floor and the entire team in your hands. You tell them where to go, and not only do you know where you have to go, you have to know where everybody else goes in case somebody forgets. It's quite overwhelming sometimes, but I'll just try my best."