Northwestern University Athletics
The 2001 Field Hockey Outlook
8/10/2001 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 10, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - After her team had suffered its third 1-0 loss in a row -- and its sixth one-goal loss of the season -- head coach Marisa Didio vowed to make the 2001 edition of Northwestern field hockey a stronger, faster and more athletic team than in years past.
"These women have made a commitment to me and the field hockey program," said Didio. "They want to become part of the elite in this conference and have dedicated themselves to doing so."
This commitment started just one week after the 2000 season. Barely removed from a 1-0 loss to Ohio State at the Big Ten Tournament, the coaching staff and returning players began a journey back toward the top of the Big Ten. The journey has three major components, according to Didio: conditioning, will and implementation.
"Some teams may have more depth and better hockey players, but there will not be a team that is better conditioned than we are," said Didio. "That aspect of our team will be at the highest level."
With grueling offseason workouts and dedication throughout the summer, the women of the Wildcat field hockey program are ready to return Northwestern to the winning ways of the 1990's, when Didio led the `Cats to four NCAA tournaments, including a final four berth in 1994.
The second major component in Didio's secret to success is giving the team the motivation and the will to compete at the game's highest level.
"Once this team has the `want to,' it's up to them to take the offense and make it their system," said Didio.
The third part of the equation is giving the team the opportunity to use the techniques instilled in them during practices.
"These women need to have the ability to implement and understand the freedom and the creativity of our system," said Didio. "Last year we were teaching them the system, and as a team they have taken major steps in understanding our style of play."
With the team understanding the offense and on the verge of a breakout year, the first shoes Didio has to fill is in the goalie position. With the departure of first-team All-Big Ten Jessica Yates, junior Kendra Mesa is the only returning goalie with experience. Mesa saw limited action in four games a year ago, saving seven shots in 74 minutes. Sophomore Katie Hall is back for her second year and looks poised to give Mesa a run at the starting position.
"Throughout the winter and spring, both women have competed extremely well for the starting position," said Didio. "We'll have to see who comes out ahead during the fall."
Offensively, Nicole Smith returns after leading the Wildcats in goals (nine) and points (22). Lindsey Millard was second on the team with seven assists.
Stepping up on the offensive front will be junior Stacy Spenser, one of this year's captains. Spenser started 10 games as a freshman and the first seven of the 2000 season before being sidelined by matching stress fractures in her legs.
"I anticipate the vision of the team with Stacy on the field," said Didio. "She will add an element of speed and quickness, something we lacked last year."
Junior forward Michelle Cifelli seems to be a primary candidate to have a breakout year for the offense.
"Potentially, Michelle is ready to produce offensively," said Didio. "We look for her to step up and be a core player for us and produce on that side of the ball."
Others catching Didio's eye during the offseason workouts were junior Juli Fomenko and sophomore Katie Fischer. Fomenko played in 13 contests a year ago while Fischer saw action in 16 games.
"Juli is one of our strongest playmakers," said Didio. "She has a good game sense and can see the field well."
Sophomores Katie Walshauser and Kirsten Mackey will each compete for playing time, Walshauser tallied an assist in 2000.
Defensively, co-captain Kathryn Breed heads up a group that gave up just 38 goals in 2000 compared to 55 in 1999. Breed started 16 games a year ago and is a proven asset in the backfield, as she initiated offensive scoring opportunities by forcing numerous turnovers.
"Kat is our defensive leader, and we expect her take charge of our backfield,"said Didio.
There are a bevy of returning defensive players to help Breed, including last year's second-leading scorer in Millard. Transfer Diane Provencher played an instrumental role, as she scored two goals and recorded one assist from her backfield position. Millard was one of only two Wildcats to start all 19 games, while Provencher started 16. The two defensive specialists also combined to score four goals and tally eight assists.
Sophomore Suzi Sutton, who will see action on both sides of the ball, will be a factor in the defense.
"Suzi could be a major contributor on the offensive side of the ball, but her athleticism may be needed in the midfield," said Didio.
Sutton started 18 games a year ago and came off the bench to convert a penalty stroke in NU's 7-0 rout of Indiana for her first collegiate goal.
Didio and her coaching staff brought in four talented young women from around the country to complement the nucleus of returning players. Didio stayed close to home in signing two local products, Abby Alley from Lake Forest and Candice Cooper from Winnetka. Making sure no rock was unturned, the coaching staff found gems in Chesterfield, Mo. (Morgan Kuhn) and Dedham, Mass. (Barrie Shapiro).
"This year's class were all multi-sport athletes in high school, and they have the talent, athleticism and the chemistry to compete at this level." said Didio. "The athletic talents of these players will enhance our program and help us take a step in the right direction."
The 2000 season was a learning experience for the young `Cats, which return just two seniors to the roster.
"Our young team gained valuable experience, having to play a lot so early in their career," said Didio. "We're excited to see how they implement the practice of the offseason in those game situations."
