Sept. 30, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With two big wins over Northwestern and Illinois, the Penn State women's soccer team swept its first Big Ten home weekend.
"Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday is the longest and toughest stretch of our season and to end it with three wins is massive," said head coach Erica Walsh.
The team is known for playing its best at Jeffery Field. In the last three years, the Lions have only lost two home games.
"It's the atmosphere here; it's perfect, said midfielder Salina Williford. "We get so excited playing here because of how much support that is in the community. We owe it to the people who come watch us to put on a show."
The first game of the weekend was against Northwester, and the Lions played strong and defeated the Wildcats, 4-1.
"I think we came out with a fire under our tail tonight," said senior Kori Chapic.
With goals scored by Raquel Rodriguez, Chapic, Megan Schafer, and Williford, the entire team was on fire.
"The first 25 minutes was some of the best soccer I've seen in a long time," Walsh said. "We talk about this being the best place to play college soccer and in that first half, I absolutely felt it."
Rolling off of the momentum of Friday's game, the Lions faced their second Big Ten team of the weekend, llinois, on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams came out extremely strong displaying solid defense and the first half of the game remained scoreless.
The first goal of the game was made by freshman Frannie Crouse in the second half. Emily Hurd passed it over from the left side of the box to the middle, allowing the Lions to make the scoreboard.
Only 47 seconds after the team scored, Illinois tied the game.
Motivated for a win, the team used the Fighting Illini's goal to keep their aggression up.
"It's very hard when they come back that quickly," Crouse said. "You just have to keep your composure and never stop trying. We fought tonight and came out with a great win."
The team continued to take shots to try to regain its lead.
Then with 83:11 on the clock, Selina Williford saved the day with her goal to ensure the Lion's win.
"It's very humbling to score another goal," Williford said. "I credit my entire team because they are always keeping me going.
"I always want to keep improving. As a team, we never want to feel like we're content. We always want to feel like we're still moving and not taking our foot off the gas."
Last year, Williford primarily played defense but has been making her way up the field this season.
Williford just recently had her first career goal but proved this weekend she is a force to be reckon with on offense.
"Salina Williford has been the best surprise so far this season," Walsh said. "She played back for us last season, but this is the best I've seen her play."
Alongside Williford, the 2014 women's soccer team is packed with talented players who have been helping the team continue its winning streak.
"I think one of the biggest strengths about this team is that we're taking players off the bench and they're delivering," said Walsh. "Every player on this team is playing their best and it's such a great feeling as a coach knowing those players on the bench can always help lift the team."
After three home games this week, the Lions hit the road to face Minnesota.
The team is keeping its intensity up for every game and is looking strong as the Big Ten season continues.
Said Walsh, "This team believes right now."