Momentum is a fickle promise.

After stopping a losing streak that spanned six Ivy matches and nine games overall against 2-17 Yale, Columbia was unable to build on its newfound confidence. Once again, it found itself in a familiar position-at the losing end of a 23-point loss to powerhouse Brown.

This weekend the Lions will attempt to shake off their misfortunes and get back on the right track on the road at Penn and Princeton. The Quakers and Tigers traveled to Levien earlier this year, dealing the Lions two losses that were the start of their Ivy League woes.

Their first stop comes in Philadelphia at the Palestra, where the Lions look to steal a rare Ivy road win against a struggling Penn team. The Quakers come into the game with a record of 3-17 overall, and 1-6 in Ancient Eight play. Penn's lone Ivy win had come against Columbia at Levien, but the Quakers also lost to Yale, the team that the Light Blue beat for its first Ivy win.

Penn's biggest offensive threat is 5-4 junior point guard Joey Rhoads. Rhoads averages 12.5 points and a team high 3.4 assists per contest. She torched the Lions for 22 points in their last meeting, and Columbia hopes that guard Megan Griffith will be able to neutralize Rhoads more effectively this time. Columbia was out-rebounded 57-36 the first time they met Penn, but have shown improvements rebounding and will need to capitalize on that play if they want any chance at a second Ivy win.

After their match with Penn, the Lions move on to Princeton to take on a powerful Tiger squad at Jadwin Gym on Saturday. Princeton comes into this weekend's action with an overall record of 14-6, including a 5-2 record in the Ivy League. After losing to Dartmouth at home last weekend, the Tigers are looking to bounce back this weekend in order to remain in the title hunt.

In Columbia's last contest against the Tigers, it was sophomore forward Meagan Cowher who was the game-breaker for the Tigers, pouring in 32 points en route to a 16-point rout of the Light Blue. The Lions will look to center Sarah Beato, whose play has improved dramatically, to provide a presence inside and contain Cowher down low.

Columbia's game against the Quakers will begin at 7 p.m. at the Palestra.