Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Gearing Up for Challenging 2010 Campaign
7/12/2010 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
July 12, 2010
Complete 2010 Northwestern Field Hockey Schedule
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Coming off its winningest season since 1995, Northwestern enters the 2010 campaign with expectations of building on the momentum it established during Tracey Fuchs' first season as head coach. On Monday, Fuchs announced the 'Cats' complete 2010 schedule, which culminates with NU hosting the annual Big Ten Tournament at Lakeside Field Nov. 4-7.
Unlike last season when Northwestern opened the season on its home turf, the Wildcats begin 2010 with their suitcases packed as they play their first eight games of the year on the road.
"We are definitely going to be challenged by the early part of our schedule," Fuchs said. "But learning to play and win on the road is crucial and it will only help us come Big Ten season."
The season officially kicks off Friday, Aug. 27, at top-10 foe Syracuse for the second all-time meeting between the two schools. Following that contest, Northwestern remains in upstate New York to face Northeastern and Colgate. Northwestern's ensuing road trip takes it to the southeast for games at Virginia Commonwealth, William & Mary and the University of Virginia.
Following two more road tilts versus Missouri State and Saint Louis, the Wildcats make their 2010 home debut on Friday, Sept. 17, against Ball State before facing Miami (Ohio) on Sunday. NU will take the field that day looking to improve to 10-1 all-time against the RedHawks.
Northwestern begins Big Ten play on Friday, Sept. 24, when it heads to Columbus to face Ohio State. The 'Cats' first extended homestand of the year sees them face Kent State, UC Davis and Indiana on Oct. 3, 7 and 8, respectively.
After one final Big Ten road trip, Northwestern returns to Evanston to close the regular season against Penn State and Michigan State. NU will be in search of a second straight win over the Nittany Lions after knocking off PSU in an emotional 3-2 win last season in State College.
From there, Northwestern welcomes the remainder of the conference to Lakeside Field for the 2010 Big Ten Tournament, the third time since 2002 the Wildcats have served as the event's host. As has become custom in recent seasons, the Big Ten Network will be on hand to provide broadcasts of both semifinal games (Friday, Nov. 5) as well as the championship match on Sunday, Nov. 7.
"Our team couldn't be more excited to be playing the Big Ten Tournament on our home turf," Fuchs said. "It's a fantastic showcase to fans in our area of some of the best field hockey in the country and there is always so much at stake with the NCAA Championship right around the corner. We invite all of our fans to come out and enjoy a great weekend of hockey."
Northwestern loses two of its top three scorers on the offensive end from a year ago but brings back junior Chelsea Armstrong -- who led the Big Ten during the 2009 regular season with 22 goals and 12 assists -- and returns a total of seven starters.
NOTE: All regular-season Northwestern field hockey games at Lakeside Field offer free admission and free parking for all fans.
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