Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Active in International Competition This Spring
5/19/2011 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
May 19, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head coach Tracey Fuchs and freshman forward Nikki Parsley each have had busy springs competing at the international level, with Fuchs serving as an assistant coach to the senior national team and Parsley scoring four goals for the U-19 national squad during a four-game series in Chile.
Fuchs helped guide the senior roster through a five-game series with a formidable Japanese team in Chula Vista, Calif., splitting the outcomes with two wins, two losses and one tie.
Parsley's U-19 team tallied a 3-0-1 series over Chile during the week of play in late April. After drawing the first game 1-1, the United States concluded the series with victories by 2-1, 4-3 and 2-0 scores.
"It was an awesome experience to play with a great and talented group of girls and represent the US at the international level," Parsley said. "I learned a lot through my experience with the U19 team. Tactically, I refined some skills with pressing and the extra time playing and practicing helped me use my skills while performing at such a high level."
Parsley, an NFHCA All-West Region selection with eight goals and five assists in 2010, was reunited with former Northwestern assistant coach Carla Tagliente, head coach of the U-19 team. She also suited up with future Wildcat Maddy Carpenter, a native of Wilbraham, Mass., who will join the Northwestern roster as a goalie next fall.
"I loved getting the chance to play with Maddy. She did a great job and it was really fun getting to play with her before she comes to NU," Parsley said.
The series against Chile was the final competition for the U19 team. In March, Parsley also participated in a week-long training session in Chula Vista, preparing for its Chilean tour with a four-game test series against Canada.
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