Oct. 26, 2006

NU Women's Soccer Game Notes (at Wisconsin)
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Having secured a spot in the eight-team Big Ten Tournament field, the Wildcats (8-8-2, 4-4-1) head to Wisconsin for their regular-season finale against the Badgers (6-8-3, 3-5-1). The 'Cats sit sixth in the Big Ten standings and Friday's match, along with other conference action, will determine their first round opponent.

Big Ten Tourney-Bound 'Cats
With Michigan State's loss last Friday Northwestern clinched a spot in the eight-team Big Ten Tournament field. The 'Cats missed the postseason in 2005, but this year will head back to Penn State for the start of the tournament on Nov. 2. Results this weekend will determine the 'Cats' first round opponent.

Wildcat Multimedia
Check out the most recent video highlights of the 2006 season by Clicking Here

Highlights from earlier in the season Highlights From Earlier in the Season

Click Here to watch NNN's Oct. 19 interview with Lauren Johnston.

Last Week
Northwestern tied and lost its contests this past week, playing to a 1-1 tie with Loyola Thursday and falling to No. 9 Penn State Sunday, 2-1. Kelsey Hans (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville) scored on a header in the 31st minute and the 'Cats registered 15 shots, but Loyola netted the equalizer late in the second half as the Wildcats and Ramblers played to a 1-1 tie Thursday at Loyola Soccer Park. Despite taking a 1-0 lead into halftime against No. 9 Penn State on Sunday, the Wildcats fell to the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions, 2-1. Freshman Alicia Herczeg (Agoura Hills, Calif./Agoura) scored the lone goal for the 'Cats in the 25th minute, but Penn State answered with two tallies in a 10-minute span to top the Wildcats.

Scouting the Badgers
Wisconsin dropped contests to Penn State and UW-Milwaukee last weekend. The Nittany Lions topped the Badgers 3-0. Wisconsin has been shut out in its last four contests and has not scored a goal since Oct. 13. The Badgers are led in goals by Kara Kabellis (4) and in points by Taylor Walsh (13).

Look Out Coach!
Northwestern coaches make multiple appearances in the NU record books. However, current Wildcats have broken some of their coaches' records and are looking to break others in 2006. Kelsey Hans set the record for goals in a season with 15 in 2004, a record previously held by head coach Stephanie Erickson. Hans is only one goal shy of the career record of 29 held by coach Erickson. Hans has 62 career points, good for third on the all-time list. She is 11 points behind coach Erickson.

Between the Pipes
Junior Lauren Johnston has started every game for the 'Cats in goal. She is fourth in the Big Ten in saves with 69. Johnston has four shutouts since the start of Big Ten play, tied for third in the conference. She is second in the Big Ten in conference saves with 34. The 'Cats shutout Iowa, 1-0 in the conference opener, Minnesota, 1-0 on 9/29, Michigan, 0-0 on 10/8 and Indiana, 1-0 on Sunday. Johnston made six saves in NU's win over Indiana including one on a penalty kick.

For a complete set of weekend notes click the PDF link above.