There is no doubt about it, the Lady Lions are on a roll.

The No. 17 Penn State women's basketball team is currently atop the Big Ten with an undefeated 4-0 record in conference play. The Lions' signature so far this season has been an explosive offense that has troubled opposing teams. The other half of the equation, the team's defense and rebounding, are two areas the coaches and players hope to improve.

"Things don't change," Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland said. "We had to improve in our defense. We have to hold on to that. We have to be a better rebounding team. There's a lot of season left."

At the beginning of each season, the Lions meet to establish goals for themselves individually as well for the team. While the majority of the team's goals remain the same, one goal in particular has been edited.

"The kids wanted three kids in double digits in each game offensively," Portland said. "Now it's four players."

Part of Penn State's success thus far has been its quick-strike spread offense that averages 84.2 points per game. Lacking the size for a traditional inside presence in the paint, the Lions continue to utilize running the floor with a three- and sometimes four-guard setup. It is this offensive scheme that has proved formidable against opponents.

"It's just hard to defend [four guards]," Purdue women's basketball coach Kristy Curry said. "Bigger doesn't always mean better. It's given a lot of folks matchup problems."

One of the players who has stepped for Penn State this year is sophomore guard Tanisha Wright. Portland said Wright worked extremely hard in the offseason, especially in the development of her jump shot.

"I publicly said she was the most improved player I have ever coached," Portland said. "When people play Kelly [Mazzante] the way they play her, Tanisha not only gives us penetration, but she has a nice little jumper."

With teams often overlooking Wright in hopes of shutting down Mazzante, she provides a solid outlet to score. Wright only trails Mazzante in scoring, ranking second on the team with an average of 18 points per game. At 5-foot-11, she also ranks third on the team in rebounds with 104 this season.

"Before it was just great penetration," Portland said. "She has an uncanny ability to get to the foul line."