When the Lady Lions exited the Bryce Jordan Center floor two weeks ago, they did so coming off three double-digit victories to start the season.

When they return home at noon Saturday for a matchup with Dayton, they will do so with a 4-3 record, and according to coach Coquese Washington, a better sense of her team's strengths and weaknesses.

Despite a 1-3 mark in four games away from Happy Valley over a 10-day span, Washington said even the losses taught her a lot about the 2008-09 Lady Lion squad.

"What I've learned about our team is that they will compete," she said. "It's much easier to compete at home, when you've got the fans, and you've got the comfort that you're probably going to shoot better."

Following a 21-point loss to Pittsburgh, the Lady Lions' rallied from a 15-point deficit to take the lead against No. 4 Texas A&M in Malibu, Calif., only to fall short in the final seconds of the first round matchup in the Timeout 4 HIV/AIDS Tournament.

They went on to knock off Coppin State in the consolation game the following night, but against Florida State once again fell into an early hole on Wednesday. Penn State cut what had been a 20-point lead to just seven twice in the second half, but couldn't overcome a turnover-plagued start.

Washington refused to acknowledge either game as a moral victory, but said the ability to fight was something she was pleased to see from her team.

"Our team, going on the road is going to compete," Washington said. "They're not a team that's going to cave in easily in adverse or hostile situations."

The Lady Lions struggled on the road last season, finishing 3-12, including losses in each of their last eight contests. Washington said there was already a noticeable difference in her team's mentality this season away from the BJC.

But the mental toughness to fight back wasn't all Washington took from the team's recent cross-country travels, however.

"They're silly," she said. "And they can't sing."

Sophomore forward Julia Trogele agreed with Washington, citing the road trip as a chance for the Lady Lions to become closer as a team.

"The time we spent off the court helps us become closer, and that reflects on the court as well," she said. "When someone messes up, you're always there for your teammate."

Trogele pointed to the importance of road wins in the team's chances of making the NCAA tournament, saying they were "the most important."

But coming off a road trip in which the Lady Lions played four games against four teams that reached last year's tournament, Trogele said it would be crucial to stay focused when they return home Saturday.

"We're all in the same boat," Trogele said. "We're all tired, we all have jet lag, but we know we need to practice hard, and show up for every game."