For the first 20 minutes yesterday, the problem for the Penn State ACHA Division II Ice Lions wasn't really motivation. The problem was more like a live-action Public Service Announcement on the effects of two games in 14 hours.

The Ice Lions fell behind early but thanks to four first period goals, and solid play the rest of the game, they survived the first period and defeated Ohio State, 6-2, in the second game of the ACHA National Tournament.

Penn State, 2-0 in round robin play, got two goals each from freshman forward Von Mondevergine and senior forward Bobby Finney.

After the Ice Lions win over Michigan Wednesday, senior goalie Dan Koletsky said they couldn't overlook yesterday's game.

While the Ice Lions said they were ready to play the early game, it looked as though they were still a little groggy. Penn State struggled early to find its legs defensively, and it led to Ohio State's first goal less than four minutes into the contest.

"The first period was kind of wacky," Koletsky said. "We were a little shaky early on."

While the defense tried to wake up, the born-again offense was more than able to pick up the slack. Mondevergine, senior forward Dave Donatelli and Finney scored in the next seven minutes to give Penn State a 3-1 lead. Ohio State (0-2) responded quickly, 12 seconds later to make it 3-2. But Finney's second tally in the last two minutes of the period refreshed the two-goal lead, and Ohio State never got closer.

"It was a solid team effort," Penn State head coach Pat Fung said. "It took us a little while to get our legs."

Fortunately for Penn State, the early morning play was temporary and only delayed the inevitable. In the second period, it was more alert and more aware defensively. The sloppy play dissipated, and Penn State reverted to the style that got it there: hard work and physical play.

"That's been our mantra all year," Fung said. "It's good to see it coming together."

Needless to say, the Ice Lions felt somewhat drained after the game. But they get more than a day to rest before the final game in pool play tomorrow afternoon at 3 EST against Eastern Washington. Penn State will have more than a little incentive to win because the game is noted by four words.

Win and you're in.

With the win today, the Ice Lions now control their own destiny and control first place in Pool B with Eastern Washington's 3-1 loss to Michigan. A win today and Penn State will make it to tomorrow and the semifinals for the first time in three years.

Of course, a loss and this season becomes just like the last three for Penn State, as it has failed to advance pool play.

Neither the Ice Lions nor Fung want that because they can feel how close they are, and what could await them tomorrow.

"We can see the light at the end of the tunnel," Fung said.