For the most part, the names and faces remain the same.

And so does the focus on excellence.

The Penn State women's basketball team just ended its offseason, and had its first practice last night in preparation for the 2002-2003 season.

Like any offseason, the relatively young Lady Lions experienced some ups and downs, but are still energized to start playing.

"I think it was a great offseason because everyone did what they had to do," Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland said. "I think the young kids are very anxious to contribute to the team."

The Lady Lions do not have any seniors on the team, after losing one senior starter to graduation, but are led by a group of juniors, namely All-American Kelly Mazzante.

"We're kind of a young, experienced team," Mazzante said.

Mazzante, who played overseas this summer for the USA Women's Basketball Team, sat out six weeks worth of offseason conditioning after she had mononucleosis.

Although she missed much of the training, Mazzante is cleared to practice.

"I feel good and I'm ready to go," she said.

The team also suffered the loss of forward Courtney Upshaw, who was granted her release from the team after not maintaining the team's conditioning requirements.

After last season, the Lady Lions' training staff implemented new regiments to help build strength and endurance. The focus was on running.

"The decision was made after the Connecticut game that our team needed to be in better shape and we needed to do a better job in the weight room," Portland said.

"My indication of what I've seen in preseason is that they've come together already."

With the loss of Upshaw's rebounding force, the Lady Lions will not have as much height under the boards, and will try to use their speed and shooting ability to win games.

The team will therefore be running a spread offense to utilize the talent at the guard position.

"I think our guard play is pretty awesome," sophomore guard Jennifer Brenden said. "I think it's going to be a lot of run-and-gun, and a lot of different people scoring."

Looking to step up this year is junior forward Jessica Brungo.

"I think Jess is a whole new player," said Brenden. "You're going to see a lot of good things from her."

The Lady Lions are continually working toward their goals, including a return to the NCAA tournament.

Portland said that although the Lions lost by a large margin to Connecticut in last year's NCAA Tournament, they have regrouped and learned a lot from the loss.

"If you're going to end the season, end the season against the best team in the country," she said.

The Lions have one exhibition game on Nov. 10 against the Basketball Travelers, but start the regular season against Bucknell at home in the first round of the preseason Women's NIT tournament on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.