The last time Penn State and Virginia met at Jeffrey Field, Alyssa Naeher was still working back from a knee injury, Christine Nairn wasn't a starter and the combo of Dani Toney and Katie Schoepfer had yet to get going.

Sunday afternoon, these four First Team All-Big Ten selections will lead the Lions against a Virginia team that has not allowed a goal in six consecutive games.

The first meeting between the teams featured two teams trying to work in new players and formations, and had some chaotic moments early on. Cavaliers goalie Chantel Jones remembers the first game and said the 1-0 loss in August provides a measure of motivation.

"It was our first game of the season, and it could potentially be our last game of the season," Jones said. "It's kind of like a full turn around for us. We had a really good game against them so we're going to look to build on that and hopefully knock them out this time."

While the Cavaliers had to endure 110 minutes of soccer Friday, plus the emotions of a penalty kick shootout, the Lions were comfortably ahead in the second half and most of the starters were able to sit for a significant amount of time. With a short turnaround before the second round, Schoepfer said the rest could be a benefit to Penn State.

"They're probably emotionally and physically drained, especially if they didn't think they were going to get taken that far," Schoepfer said. "For us, it's going to be huge getting rested and we're going to take care of our bodies... and then come out fresh on Sunday."

St. John's head coach Ian Stone; whose team fell to Virginia, said Sunday would be a tremendous match. Stone researched both teams before the tournament began and said Virginia is a good soccer team that will provide a challenge for Penn State.

Stone also looked at the Lions and noted the program's consistency in making the tournament each year. The Red Storm's coach said the plethora of offensive options makes the Lions dangerous, but the team is solid all around.

"Time after time in college soccer you recognize the importance of the goalkeeping, and Alyssa's one of the best out there, if not the best," Stone said. "Also, the fact that they have just so many attacking weapons and so many different options going forward. And that's not taking away from any of the defenders. I think they're great players as well."

Both teams have changed since the August game, and Schoepfer is expecting a much different Virginia team on Sunday. Cavaliers freshman midfielder Julia Roberts, who played her first collegiate game in the first game, expects a tough game from both teams.

"Everyone's fighting. This could be the end of your season," Roberts said. "Every game, everyone's going to give their all so we're going to expect their best shot."

Toney, who scored the only goal in August on an 80-yard counterattack, has seen the Lions evolve over the course of the season. The growth the team has shown over the season has the junior and her teammates confident going into the second round.

"I think we've improved so much as a team, just working in practice day in and day out," Toney said. "We've just gotten closer and know what each other is going to be doing on and off the ball, and as long as we come out and work hard on Sunday, I think that we're going to put up a great fight."