Northwestern University Athletics
The 2002 Field Hockey Outlook
8/29/2002 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 29, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - With two seasons under her belt since returning to Northwestern, Head Coach Marisa Didio likes the direction the team is going, especially after a productive spring.
"As a team, as a coaching staff, we all felt very good about the strides we took this offseason," said Didio. "There was definitely a level of assurance and confidence that the team came away with, which is very important as we take the next step in the program's development."
The strides taken in the offseason were put on display as NU competed in 22 25-minute games in a variety of locations. In those 22 games, the Wildcats collected a 10-7-5 record while playing against quality opposition.
"We really wanted to improve the quality of competition we played this spring in order to help us learn more and to be better prepared for the 2002 season," said Didio. "The kids did a great job with really valuing the experiences of how and what they were learning."
In all, NU went 2-4-2 against other Big Ten opponents with all four losses coming by just one goal. Against other premier field hockey conferences (ACC, MAC and the NorPac) the Wildcats combined to go 8-3-3 with quality wins over Louisville, Ball State and Southwest Missouri State.
A key factor in turning this program around will be offensive production. NU uses its defense to produce most of its attacking situations, and the emergence of sophomore Candice Cooper at the forward position will be a key factor.
"Candice will impact our ability to score," said Didio. "She is most definitely a threat with the ball against defenders and in front of the goal."
Along with Cooper's understanding of the goal area, senior co-captain Stacy Spenser brings the element of speed to the team.
"The key to Stacy is her ability to stay healthy," said Didio, noting that Spenser missed the final 12 games of 2000 and was slowed by injury in 2001. "If she can stay healthy, Stacy will have a major impact on our season."
NU's only All-Big Ten recipient, Suzi Sutton, returns for her junior campaign and will serve as the team's quarterback.
"Suzi is at a point where she can play the position I always envisioned her playing," said Didio. "She has that quality of not only knowing what she is doing on the field, but what her teammates around her are supposed to be doing."
The ability to recognize situations and direct her teammates is what Didio is counting on in the fall as Sutton will play the midfield position.
Senior Michelle Cifelli, NU's fifth leading scorer in 2001, is also back on the offensive side of the ball, and Didio is looking for big things from the New Jersey native.
"Michelle is fearless when it comes to scoring goals," said Didio. "She'll do anything and risk whatever it takes to score. A team needs that, because not all kids are willing to dive and take those risks."
In the offseason, NU implemented a new defensive system that paid immediate dividends at the goalkeeper position. Junior Katie Hall and senior Kendra Mesa split time in the offseason and combined for 14 shutouts in 22 games.
"The winter and the spring season for us was a chance to focus our attention to our own system and the changes we need to make to be more successful," said Didio. "The emphasis really was to make those changes that would improve the team defensively, which in turn helped the goalkeepers."
With the system changes on the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Barrie Shapiro benefitted the most.
"Barrie made the biggest adjustments in relating her game to our team system," said Didio.
Senior Lindsey Millard proved to be a steadying force in the backfield with the understanding of the new system and her ability to relay that with her teammates.
"Lindsey was rock solid this spring," said Didio. "We could count on her to hold the group together in tight situations. It's definitely something we are looking for her to do this fall."
Solidifying the backfield this season will be NU's co-captain, senior Juli Fomenko. Fomenko is making a position switch from her usual forward spot.
"With Lindsey and Juli in the backfield, I really feel like I can look back there and have the confidence they can manage our defense," said Didio.
The Wildcats return a bevy of talent at all positions. Couple that with the seven 2002 signees, and the upcoming season should be another step forward in Coach Didio's rebuilding process.
"The 2002 class clearly understands the position of our program and the direction we are going as a team," said Didio. "I believe the talent and winning behaviors of the seven freshmen show the will and drive they have to work within our team-centered goals."
Achieving those goals begins right away as NU hosts last year's national runner-up, Maryland, in its first contest of the year. In fact, the Wildcats host the first four games of 2002 at Lakeside Field, including a pair against teams that ended 2001 nationally ranked.
"I'm excited about this season," said Didio. "This team and program are headed in the right direction. How this team blends together will decide what kind of strides we take in getting to our ultimate goals."
