April 6, 2018
By Briana Zuccarelli, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK- The Penn State Nittany Lions have a break from conference play and competition after a 18-10 win against the Ohio State Buckeyes this past Saturday.
After a vigorous schedule in the beginning of the season, averaging two games a week, the Nittany Lions had a week off of game play to prepare for Friday night's contest against sixth-ranked University of Virginia. Not only did the team have a break from game play, but they also have a break from their tough conference play.
"It definitely gives you a little bit more time to prepare," explained head coach Missy Doherty. "There are good and bad things with that because some people on our team like playing in games. Part of it is good, I think on their bodies. to be able to have that rest and be able to come out at 100 percent."
With a 3-0 run thus far, the Nittany Lions sit at the top in the Big Ten conference, while Maryland and Northwestern follow closely behind, both teams at 2-0 in conference play. While Penn State plays out-of conference, six Big Ten teams will be playing each other this weekend.
The Nittany Lions will return to conference play on Saturday, April 14th against the Northwestern Wildcats who are right behind them in the standings But, before they turn back to conference play, the Nittany Lions have Virginia.
"UVA is a great out-of-conference matchup and it is always a great game against them," said junior Madison Carter during the week. "It is definitely a big game going into this weekend. It will be nice to get a break from the conference. Every game from here is going to be a grind and I'm looking forward to it."
Coach Doherty discussed the importance of starting out conference play at 3-0, especially with their final three conference games being some of the toughest competition in the league with Northwestern, Maryland, and Michigan. Doherty said the goal of the team is to play well within a conference filled with challenging opponents.
"The Ohio State game was obviously a big game, especially in the Big Ten," said freshman Rachel Rosen. "Coming into those games, it's just as important, if not more important playing a top team, and showing that we are ready to compete and that we deserve to be in the top ten."
With a week full of practice, the Nittany Lions feel that they are mentally and physically ready to compete for the rest of the season.
"I think from a physical standpoint we had a lot of games close together, so it is good for our bodies to obviously rest and stuff," said Rosen. "From a mental standpoint, getting a whole week to prepare for a game really lets you understand what each team is going to be doing. You can mentally and physically prepare for exactly what to expect in the upcoming game, which is good competition and where we can show who we really are as a team."
Carter believes that the team's record shows its ability to travel on a bus to an away game and come out on top with a big win.
"I think it shows that wherever we are," said Carter. "We come to have a good game, work hard, and play the full 60 minutes to our fullest."
The team enjoyed the break in action this week, and with their confidence level high, the Nittany Lions are ready to face the final stretch of the season.