Sept. 23, 2010
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Coming off of a four-game win streak, the Penn State field hockey team returns home Friday for a weekend of Big Ten play. The Nittany Lion's 2010 conference schedule premiers Friday at 6 p.m. against Indiana, followed by a 1 p.m. Sunday match-up facing Michigan, broadcasted live on The Big Ten Network.
The No. 14 Nittany Lions head into the weekend following a five-day break of competitive play after defeating both Temple (4-0) and West Chester (3-1) on away turf. Goalkeeper, Ayla Halus (Hershey, Pa.) solidified her second conference honor of the season, being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after tallying a perfect performance in a weeklong shutout in the team's three wins over Lafayette, Temple, and West Chester. Halus earner her first defensive laurels Sept. 6, following 12 saves vs. the Huskies.
Penn State has dominated the series against Indiana, 11-3, since its launch in 1978. The last time the teams met was during The 2009 Big Ten semifinals when the Hoosiers defeated the Lions in a 3-1 decision. Indiana enters Happy Valley, Friday, fresh off a 4-1 decision over Missouri State. Front-runners Morgan Fleetwood and Shareyna Chung of Indiana are the players to watch, both leading the Hoosiers with three goals apiece.
The Wolverines will take the field at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex on Sunday, in a rivalry, again, dominated by Penn State. The 22-12 record in the all-time series originated in 1992. The Lions came up short in last year's contest in Ann Arbor but they shutout the Wolverines last time they appeared in Happy Valley 3-0 in 2008.
The game features a number of additional storylines, as well (below).
The `Spread' Offense
Kelsey Amy (Sweet Valley, Pa.) continues to perform for the Nittany Lions up-front, playing a critical role in all three goals against the Golden Rams of West Chester. Amy tallied a goal, her fourth of the week, and two assists in the 3-1-road victory. The offensive line is spread deep this season, with the 18 team-total goals earned by seven different Nittany Lions.
400 and Beyond
Penn State field hockey had another reason to celebrate this past week as head coach Charlene Morett earned her 400th career win, Sept. 18, in the Lion's shutout against Temple. Morett's 400th achievement places her in an elite category, becoming the fourth (ninth overall) Division I coach in NCAA history to obtain the prestigious landmark. Heading into Friday's quarrel, Morett's record stands at 401-161-17, including her three-year's at Boston College.
Broadcasting Live
The Big Ten Network will be broadcasting the Michigan game live in HD, Sunday Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
Climbing in Rankings
The No. 14 Nittany Lions are ranked third highest among Big Ten teams behind No. 6 Ohio State and No. 7 Michigan State in the Sept. 21st release of the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches poll. The Lions entered the season ranked No. 16 and currently sit at their highest of the season.
Home-Field Advantage
Friday's bout against Indiana marks the first of four consecutive home games for the Nittany Lions. Penn State will host Michigan Sunday Sept. 26, Iowa Saturday Oct. 2, and Monmouth N.J. Sunday Oct. 3.
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