Sept. 23, 2010
Northwestern (7-3, 0-0 Big Ten) at No. 6 Ohio State (6-2, 0-0 Big Ten)
Friday, Sept. 24
Buckeye Varsity Field
Columbus, Ohio 2 p.m. CT
Field Hockey Weekly Release -- Sept. 22 
2010 Big Ten Conference Statistics
EVANSTON, Ill. -- With NU's first nine games of the season all having been decided by two goals or more, head coach Tracey Fuchs knew her team could benefit from being tested in a down-to-the-wire match. That opportunity came in a thrilling 2-1 win Sunday over Miami (Ohio) and the 'Cats -- winners of four in a row -- will be aiming to build on that momentum when they face sixth-ranked Ohio State at 2 p.m. CT Friday in Columbus.
Game Coverage
A link to live stats for the match will appear on Ohio State's schedule page prior to the start of the match. Fans can also watch live streaming video by purchasing a one-month pass to Ohio State's Buckeye Vision for $11.95.
Series Notes
Northwestern's all-time rivalry with Ohio State has been one of the most evenly matched series for NU against any Big Ten opponent, with the Buckeyes holding a slim 27-23-1 lead. In its 2009 regular-season finale, Northwestern jumped to a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute off a goal by Chelsea Armstrong, but OSU answered twice in the first half and held on for a 2-1 victory in Evanston.
Almquist's Goal Lifts 'Cats to Thrilling Win
After protecting a 1-0 lead and controlling the action against Miami (Ohio) for a span of 59 minutes, Northwestern needed to dig deep and respond after the RedHawks tied the score with under five minutes to play. NU did just that as senior Zoe Almquist perfectly deflected in a Chelsea Armstrong penalty corner hit with 1:43 remaining to secure a 2-1 Wildcat win Sunday. Miami, which came into the game with a 5-1 mark and as the top team outside the top 20 national rankings, managed to stay in the game despite being outshot 16-3 by Northwestern.
Armstrong Continues to Climb NU Charts
Northwestern's Chelsea Armstrong continued her record-setting scoring pace this week, scoring two goals and adding four assists to bring her Big Ten-leading season points total to 32. Armstrong was seemingly everywhere in NU's 6-2 win over Ball State, scoring off a penalty corner in the first five minutes before adding a second tally just before halftime and finishing with seven points thanks to her three assists. Consequently, Armstrong was named to the national honor roll by Womensfieldhockey.com. In just her second year at NU, Armstrong has sole possession of 10th place on NU's list of all-time career points leaders with 88 and ranks ninth with 33 career goals.
On the national level, Armstrong leads the country with 32 points and is tied for third with 11 goals.
Shutting Things Down
One of Northwestern's most reliable performers and leaders this season has been senior defender Sarah Marcincin, a three-year starter for the Wildcats. Marcincin has helped NU limit opponents to just three goals in its last four games and holding them to four or fewer shots in three of those contests.
Up Next
After its match at Ohio State, Northwestern steps out of conference to take on another ranked opponent when it hosts No. 17 Kent State at noon on Sunday, Oct. 3.
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