Northwestern University Athletics
'Cats Poised to Open Home Slate
9/2/2004 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 2, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Returning home to the brand new surface recently installed at the Leonard B. Thomas Sports Complex appears to be a brand new NU field hockey team following its first 2-0 start since 1996. The 'Cats hope to build upon their quick start with home games Friday against Ohio and Sunday versus Fairfield.
"Our kids are really trying hard to meet their goals this year," head coach Kelly McCollum said. "We won those games as a group and took a big step toward making a statement in our region."
Northwestern hopes to continue its statement-making beginning at 1 p.m. Friday against Ohio (0-2), another traditionally strong opponent.
The Bobcats enter tomorrow's contest after dropping a 3-1 decision to William & Mary and a 3-2 contest against Northeastern, which finished last season ranked ninth in the country. Ohio goalkeeper Jennifer Cote earned Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors by saving 13 shots against William & Mary.
"We have another top regional opponent in Ohio," McCollum said. "The biggest thing for us is to focus on us. We are taking care of NU field hockey and not worrying as much about the other team."
McCollum has emphasized making corrections and looks for her team to play much stronger early in games this weekend.
"We had to come from behind against James Madison, but we jumped out early against Kent State last weekend," she said. "There needs to be carry over with that. We are putting lots of focus and attention on making sure we come out hard from the first whistle."
On Sunday the Wildcats play host to Fairfield (1-1) beginning at 1 p.m. The Stags defeated UMASS 1-0 on strokes and fell to St. Joseph's 3-1 last weekend.
CAT 'NIPS
* Northwestern also won its first two games in 1996 on the road, defeating Richmond 5-0 and Duke 4-3.
* Kelly McCollum is the first NU head coach in the program's history to win her first two matches.
* The Wildcats are 16-7 all-time in home-opening matches.
