Hearing the term "pending an NCAA investigation" is never settling and the Penn State women's basketball team just hopes it works out for the best.

Lady Lions coach Rene Portland kept transfer guard Melanie Croser out for both of the team's Preseason Women's National Invitational Tournament games this weekend, and her absence may continue.

Portland did it, not because of anything Croser did to hurt the team, but something she did before she was enrolled at Penn State.

"[Melanie's] case is unique in the fact that she went to Hawaii and then left Hawaii," Portland said. "She played in a winter league which is a summer league here, that wasn't certified."

Croser was born and raised in Australia and could be in trouble because of the summer league games she played with her Australian team. The NCAA is not a proponent of international competition and may suspend her because of it.

The paperwork has yet to be officially filed, but Portland's thinking was that she should sit Croser while the season is still young.

"We do anticipate that she is going to lose some games," Portland said. "We can play or not play her, but we're hoping that if she is given games then these will count."

Croser was expected to come in and be a catalyst off the bench for the Lions. The 22-year-old brings experience and an international flavor to the team. She averaged 10.3 points and 3.6 assists per game last season at the University of Southern Idaho (junior college), before transferring to Hawaii, where she never suited up for a game.

"I'm bringing in more of a heady point guard," Croser said at media day. "I've been in situations so I'm a little more in control and not so nervous out there."

One player who was not nervous was Jen Brenden, who took most of Corser's minutes this weekend.

In the two games she filled in to the tune of 53 minutes and 12 points, including a career-high eight on Friday.

"I thought she [Brenden] did a great job," Portland said after the game. "This is what we're expecting, Jenny to hit a big shot and to be very intelligent."

Help on the way

Croser's suspension was not the only noise the Lions made off the court this weekend. Friday, the team announced the signing of three high school seniors to national letters of intent for next season.

The class includes 5-foot-11 guard Jennifer Harris of Central Dauphin H.S. in Harrisburg, who is rated the No. 3 wing player in the nation by All-Star Girls Report and the 22nd best player overall.

Also on that list, at No. 48, is Amanda Brown of Unionville H.S. in Kennett Square, and her 6-foot-4 frame. She should give the Lions more size down low, which could be their one weakness this season.

The third member is 6-foot-2 Rochelle Johnson (Norwalk, Conn.).

The season is just two games old, and there is still a long way to go before the Lions need to worry about their new additions next season.