2005 Season In Review

Freshman Jill Putnam led the Wildcats with 24 points in 2005.

11/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey

Nov. 17, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's field hockey team had one goal in mind coming into the 2005 season--play the nation's best to become one of the nation's best. In 2005, the Wildcats arguably played the most daunting schedule in all of collegiate field hockey, with 12 of the 17 teams they played ranked or receiving votes in the NFHCA national poll.

While their record may have suffered, their intensity, knowledge of the game and aspirations for the program's future has reached new heights. The lessons learned this season have provided the foundation for the Wildcats to propel into college field hockey's elite.

Northwestern wasted no time facing the best collegiate field hockey has to offer. In the Wildcats' first match, Maryland--which finished the year ranked No. 1--came to Evanston on Aug. 28. The Wildcats sent the message they would be a force to be reckoned with, scoring on the Terrapins just four minutes into the match. Christina Foley (Cape Elizabeth, Maine/Cape Elizabeth) scored from the top of the circle on a penalty corner to give Northwestern a 1-0 lead.

After Maryland scored two first-half goals, Meghan Small (Bethlehem, Pa./Moravian Academy) scored early in the second half, and the Wildcats went into the final stretch of the match tied 2-2 with one of the most respected teams in college field hockey. After Maryland was awarded a late penalty stroke, however, the Terrapins rallied to win, 5-2.

While the first-match loss was disappointing, it proved Northwestern could play with the very best. Not only did the players and coaches believe this, but the National Field Hockey Coaches Association did as well, as Northwestern began receiving votes in its national poll.

The Wildcats responded to the opening-match loss by rattling off five-consecutive wins. The 'Cats first headed out to the east coast, recording victories over Fairfield and Yale. Due to her stellar play during the east coast swing, Small was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

Northwestern then returned home to take matches over Ball State, Central Michigan--which finished the year receiving 13 votes in the NFHCA poll--and a Virginia team that was ranked nationally throughout the season.

Against Virginia, Ellen Schlafly (St. Louis, Mo./MICDS) scored the match-winning goal in double overtime on a rebound following a penalty corner. Junior goalkeeper Sherri-Anne Nyberg (Kelowna, British Colubmia/Kelowna Secondary) recorded 14 saves in the win.

After its first six matches, the Wildcats stood tall at 5-1. After a one-goal loss to No. 14 Louisville on Sept. 18, the Wildcats were set to open conference play at No. 8 Penn State.

While Northwestern's Jill Putnam (Greenfield, Mass./Greenfield) scored the first goal of the match just nine minutes in, the Nittany Lions' offense rallied to score four first-half goals. Small scored a late goal on a penalty corner, but Penn State went on to the 6-2 win.

A day later, however, the 'Cats got back on the winning track with a 4-1 victory over Bucknell. Senior co-captain Holly Palin (Mequon, Wis./University School of Milwaukee) scored twice, while Putnam and Cassie Miller (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest) each added a score.

At 6-3, Northwestern resumed conference play at home against No. 10 Ohio State. The Wildcat defense made a statement in the first half, keeping one of the nation's most potent offenses scoreless through the first 35 minutes--thanks in large part to the play of Nyberg, who saved six first-half shots.

Both teams scored early in the second stanza, then the Buckeyes pulled away with goals in the 52nd and 65th minute.

Putnam added a late goal, her eighth of the year, but the damage was done and the Buckeyes walked off with a 3-2 win.

After dropping its next two matches--to No. 12 Iowa and No. 7 Indiana--Northwestern pounced on Lindenwood, 5-0. Freshman Alexandra Quinn (Watertown, Mass./Watertown) scored her first collegiate goal in the 38th minute, then notched her second just 14 minutes later. Schlafly added two goals of her own and Small netted a late score in the win.

The Wildcats hit a rough stretch over the next three weeks, dropping their next five matches, all to opponents ranked in the top 12.

Northwestern traveled to Iowa City, Iowa, to open the Big Ten Tournament against second-seeded Indiana. While coming into the match as the clear underdog, Northwestern proved to the Hoosiers it had the firepower and defensive prowess to compete with the Big Ten's elite.

It was the Wildcat defense that led to Northwestern's first goal. After the Wildcats' transition defense regained control of the ball, Schlafly was fouled in the circle and Northwestern was awarded a penalty corner. Foley rocketed a shot past the Hoosier goalie on the corner, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

From there, the Wildcat defense--especially the play of freshman goalkeeper Emily Kyle (San Francisco, Calif./San Francisco University High School)--kept the Wildcats in the match.

The Hoosiers scored in the 40th minute, and the teams played to a stalemate for the remainder of the second half. Seven minutes into the overtime session, however, Indiana's Lydia Schrott scored from five yards out, giving the Hoosiers a 2-1 win.

Kyle ended the match with a career-high 15 saves.

For her efforts during the match, sophomore Cassie Miller (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest) was named to the all-tournament team.

While Northwestern's record was not what the Wildcats hoped for coming into the season, there are plenty of positives to take away from the 2005 campaign.

Last year, Northwestern had only one player score more than 12 points. This season, four Wildcats boasted four players tally more than 12 points. Two of those players--Putnam and Small--return for the Wildcats in 2006.

Northwestern's underclassman were impressive this season, laying the foundation for increased success in the coming years.

Putnam led the team in goals (11), points (24) and was second in shot percentage (.224). For a large stretch of the season, Putnam also was the nation's top freshman goal scorer.

Quinn became a mainstay in the Northwestern midfield this season, starting all 19 matches this season.

Kyle logged 267:34 minutes between the pipes this season. She recorded 40 saves in her six appearances this season, averaging 6.66 saves per game.

At the end of the season, the Wildcats were awarded for their individual efforts.

Senior co-captain Christine Nannicelli (Walpole, Mass./Walpole) was named second-team all-Big Ten for her play on the Wildcats' backline. Over the past four years, Nannicelli has made a name for herself as one of the best defenders in the conference. She has displayed her offensive ability as well, tallying 33 career points on 11 goals and 11 assists.

For her play in 2005, Small was named second-team Dartfish/NFHCA all-West Region. The award is Small's second NFHCA all-region accolade.

Finally, senior Rachel Cody (Oklahoma City, Okla.) was named a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award nominee.

With a team that has played the very best collegiate field hockey has to offer, a group of returning leaders and a talented group of underclassman, Northwestern field hockey has plenty to be optimistic about next season.