The loss is still hard to swallow for coach Suzanne Isidor and her Penn State women's lacrosse team. The 15-14 defeat at the hands of a heavy underdog, Delaware, last April has settled into the collective memory of the Nittany Lions, leaving them thirsting for a chance at redemption.

Tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Holuba Hall, No. 14 Penn State will begin its regular season against the Blue Hens. With last year's loss still lingering, the Lions have ample motivation to begin 2007 on a high note.

"The first game is what you're working all preseason for," Penn State senior attacker Lindsay Dutch said. "We spent the whole preseason with [Delaware] in mind."

This game doesn't count any more than the rest in the standings, but it seems to have that feeling among Penn State's players and coach. Though the Lions' schedule is loaded with some of the nation's best teams, there has been a lot of off-season talk devoted to Delaware.

"Last year was pretty awful," junior midfielder Jessi Lieb said. "We're really looking to step it up this time. Everyone has a memory of that and we want to turn it around this year."

Isidor doesn't want the revenge factor to overshadow the game itself, yet she was the quickest to note that she had the date marked on her calendar.

"It's something that we're not focused on as a team," she said. "But I'm not sure how you could have been at that game last year and not want to play them again."

Isidor said Penn State's biggest downfall in last year's game was its inability to slow down Delaware's attack, and team defense will be the most important factor in preventing a repeat performance. Also, the Lions will need to shoot well to beat Delaware goaltender Jessica Cerveny.

The Lions remain focused on their own play, not concerning themselves with what Delaware brings to the table. They have stressed confidence, team chemistry and leadership and feel they have the talent to beat anyone they face this year.

Overcoming last year's upset loss to Delaware would be a good start.

"I don't think that they are that difficult of a team to play," Dutch said. "We just have to go in there confidently. It's all about us."