Aug. 23, 2012

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Chelsea Armstrong was one of three Wildcats named to the 2012 Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch List., the Conference office announced. She is joined by fellow Wildcat standouts Nikki Parsley, who was a first team All-Big Ten selection last season, and newcomer Tara Puffenberger.

In addition to the League accolades, Armstrong has re-written Northwestern's record book, becoming its all-time leading goal scorer (71) and points leader (173) this past season. She was named a first-team All-American as well as was an NFCA All-West Region honoree. Armstrong, a senior, was named a finalist for the Honda Award last year.

Parsley, a junior, earned a first-team All-Big Ten bid last season, 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.

Puffenberger comes to Evanston after spending her first two seasons at the University of Virginia where she started as a freshman and sophomore. She sat out last season but was enrolled in classes at UVA. Puffenberger entered the college ranks as a two-time All-American and was a member of the United States Junior World Cup Team.

The Wildcats embark on the 2012 campaign trail this weekend in the Cardinal Classic in Louisville, Ky. NU faces Miami (OH) at 11 a.m. CT. Depending on the outcome, the 'Cats face either host Louisville or Northeastern Sunday either at 10 a.m. or at 2 p.m. CT. Both games can be followed on Gametracker.

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