Nov. 5, 2014
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State women's soccer team will officially start its postseason on Wednesday afternoon when the Lions meet Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament (1:30 p.m.). After winning its 16th Big Ten Championship and third outright title in the past four years, Penn State earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
Coming off of its strong finish to the regular season, the team is staying focused on what needs to be accomplished during the tournament.
"We take it one game at a time," senior Whitney Church said. "We approach every game as a new opportunity and try to stay more focused on the present than on the past."
The Lions start off the week facing Northwestern, who they beat 4-1 in the regular season. If victorious, Penn State would play the winner between Iowa and Rutgers. Both Rutgers and Iowa played a significant role in the Lions' regular season.
Finishing the season with an overall record of 17-2-0, Penn State lost just once on Jeffrey Field in 2014. That came in a narrow 1-0 decision against Rutgers on Oct. 11.
If the Lions do find themselves facing Rutgers again, they can use the past as a learning experience and build on that game with confidence.
"We never try and dwell on the past, as a team it's important to always stay positive," Church said.
The other potential opponent in the second match of the tournament, should the Lions advance, would be Iowa. Last week, Penn State beat Iowa, 2-1, to clinch the Big Ten regular season title. Nonetheless, all eyes are looking ahead to the first game on the tournament schedule against Northwestern.
The conference tournament structure presents a unique challenge for the Nittany Lions.
With the team potentially playing up to three games in just five short days, the players and coaching staff have been preparing both mentally and physically for this tournament.
"It is a lot within a short amount of time. We give it our all during the games and then make sure we recover for the next game," Church said.
For the four seniors on the team, this is their last chance to walk away with not only the Big Ten regular season title, but the tournament crown, as well.
"I think this year is more nerve wrecking than any prior," Church said. "It's because it's the seniors last time with this team and we want to know we gave it all we could for our last season together."
The four seniors on the team have not only taken on leadership roles on the team but have become second coaches for the younger players.
There are 11 freshmen on the 2014 team which also means that are 11 players experiencing this tournament and the intensity of a postseason for the first time in their collegiate careers.
"It's really exciting since it's a new experience but also a little overwhelming. I think as a team we are ready," freshman Haleigh Echard said. "It makes the journey easier knowing there are 11 of us going through this new experience together. We can also always look up to the older players who have been through this before for advice if we need it."
The 2014 team has transformed from a team into a family, and that transformation has translated into success.
The Lions are approaching the tournament one game at a time with the same dedication, passion, and momentum that has carried them throughout the season.