Oct. 3, 2002

EVANSTON, Ill. - The Big Ten schedule throws yet another challenge at the Northwestern field hockey team (4-5, 0-1 Big Ten) Saturday at 1 p.m., this time in the form of No .6 Penn State (8-1, 1-1). However, this time the 'Cats hope that the comforts of Lakeside Field can provide an edge in their second Big Ten match of the season. The Wildcats are 2-2 at home this season.

Last week Northwestern fell to Iowa 4-1 in Iowa City. Despite controlling the match at the beginning of the first half, the Wildcats were unable to get on the scoreboard. A Hawkeye goal in the last minute of the first half put Northwestern in a 2-0 hole at the break. The 'Cats rallied late, outshooting Iowa 11-4 in the second half and earning eight penalty corners. However, Christine Nannicelli's converted penalty stroke late in the game, was all they could muster.

NU looks to continue its offensive success this season against a stifling Nittany Lion defense. PSU has given up just seven goals all year, while Northwestern has tallied 19 goals this season. In addition, the scoring has come from all over, with seven different players finding the back of the cage. Three freshmen, Holly Palin, Nannicelli and Ellen Schlafly -are among those who have scored for NU this season. Palin ranks second on the team with four goals. Sophomore Candice Cooper leads the team with 15 points (7 goals, 1 assist).

Another Wildcat freshman continues to make an impact at the other end of the field. Goalkeeper Kelly Augustine had a career-best six saves against Iowa. Among those protecting Augustine is senior Lindsay Millard, who has been solid in the backfield for the 'Cats this year. In addition to her stellar defensive play, Millard has contributed timely goal scoring, with three game-winning goals this season. NU will also look for strong midfield play from Suzi Sutton, who has distributed the ball well all season and is tied for fifth in conference play with five assists. Northwestern will also look for help in the form of Katie Walshauser. After missing the first seven games due to injury, the junior has seen action in the last two contests.

Saturday's match is the third Big Ten matchup for Penn State. Last weekend the Lions fell to Michigan State 3-0 in their conference opener, but rallied two days later to defeat Indiana 6-1. PSU opened the season with a seven-game winning streak, including a victory over No. 7 North Carolina.

In order to be successful, the Wildcats will have to shut down an explosive Nittany Lion offense. Penn State has three players among the top ten in the conference in points. Heather Conroy is tied for the top spot and boasts a conference-leading 13 goals coming into the weekend. Along with its stingy defense, the Lions boast the Big Ten's second-leading goals against average goaltender in Annie Zinkavich. Zinkavich has a conference-leading four shutouts.

Northwestern fell to Penn State 5-1 at State College last season. This marks the 20th meeting of these two teams, with the Nittany Lions holding a 15-3-1 edge.

Saturday's 1 p.m. match will open up a stretch of four games in eight days for NU. The 'Cats are next in action when they host Iowa on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at Lakeside Field.