Nikki Parsley (left) and Maddy Carpenter were among 18 players selected to the Junior National Squad's U-21 Team.Nikki Parsley (left) and Maddy Carpenter were among 18 players selected to the Junior National Squad's U-21 Team.

Two 'Cats Earn Nod for U.S. Junior National Squad

Feb. 8, 2012

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Freshman Maddy Carpenter and sophomore Nikki Parsley were named to the Junior National Squad's Under-21 Team, USA Field Hockey announced. Carpenter and Parsley travel to Newport, England on March 31 to compete in four test matches against the Under-21 England National Team at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

"What a great accomplishment for both Nikki and Maddy to make and represent U.S. Under-21 Team," head coach Tracey Fuchs said. "They have both worked really hard will have the opportunity to travel to England and play in some great International competition. What a great experience to travel to London where the Olympics are this summer."

The Junior National Squads went through a process of selection, beginning with a training camp in early July 2011. From there, the nation's top players were chosen to participate in a four-day training camp in January at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. Carpenter and Parsley were then named to the Under-21 Team from that group of selected players.

As a freshman goalkeeper, Carpenter started in all but one game for NU, compiling 80 saves (4.00 per game), fourth in the Big Ten. Her three shutouts on the season were good enough for second in the Big Ten. Carpenter earned both Big Ten Defensive and Freshman of the Week honors on two occasions (Aug. 30 and Sept. 20).

Parsley earned a first-team All-Big Ten bid, knocking in 10 goals on the season to go with an assist for 21 total points. At one point in the season, the Delaware native had a streak of six goals in five games.

Fuchs also has long-standing ties with USA Field Hockey, as she was most recently an assistant coach with the national team at the 2011 Pan American Games. The U.S. claimed its first gold medal and a trip to the 2012 Olympic Games in London in July.

For more information, visit usafieldhockey.com.

••••••

Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook! and subscribe to the NU Sports Express e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and video and to interact with NU. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!