Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Poised to Open Big Ten Season
9/21/2006 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 21, 2006
Evanston, Ill. Northwestern (5-4) looks to continue its winning ways Friday when No. 14 Indiana (7-1) comes to town for the Big Ten opener. Match time is set for 3 p.m. at the Leonard B. Thomas Athletic Complex. The Wildcats then travel to Mt. Pleasant, Mich. for a 10 a.m. meeting against Central Michigan (4-2) on Sunday.
"After a great week of practice, we are all excited to get back on the field and compete at home," head coach Kelly McCollum said. "Our team has shown consistency in learning from game to game and responding to the next challenges we face. I know we are ready to take the next steps this weekend."
Scouting the Hoosiers
Indiana enters its first conference showdown with an impressive 7-1 record, with the lone loss coming at the hands of field hockey powerhouse Virginia, 3-2. Northwestern and Indiana have played three common opponents so far --Miami (Ohio), Ball State and Maine. The Hoosiers, ranked 14th in this week's NFHCA poll, are led by Lydia Schrott and Morgan Miller who have scored eight and five goals, respectively.
The Series with the Hoosiers
Northwestern holds an 8-2 advantage in the all-time series against IU. The last time these two teams met was in the Big Ten Tournament when the Hoosiers edged NU, 2-1 in overtime to advance to the semifinal round.
Scouting the Chippewas
Central Michigan enters the weekend with a 4-2 mark and receiving votes in the NFHCA poll. One of CMU's two losses was a 2-1 overtime loss to Indiana; the other was a 3-1 decision to Saint Louis. The Chippewas are led by Kelly Jordan and Amanda Lucik who have both recorded three goals on the season. Jordan also leads the team in assists with three.
The Series with Central Michigan
Northwestern possesses a 7-2 advantage against the Chippewas in the all-time series. The Wildcats won the last meeting between the two teams; a 4-2 decision last season.
'Cat Nips
• Northwestern has a good problem--too many options. The 'Cats have five players who have scored three goals a piece in Christina Foley, Annie Bosslet, Alex Quinn, Elizabeth Dobbs and Alison Bullock.
• Katie Charles and Cassie Miller have both chipped in two goals and three assists to help the 'Cats as well.
• Northwestern has had 62 penalty corners to its opponents 55.
• The Wildcats' offense is producing an equal number of goals in the first half and the second half. Northwestern has scored eleven goals in each period and two in overtime.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Emily Kyle leads the conference in saves, recording 68 saves through nine games. She also leads the Big Ten averaging 7.56 saves per game.
