Penn State Nittany Lions
Big Ten
The Penn State Nittany Lions reestablished themselves as the top program in a fiercely competitive Big Ten Conference. Thanks to a much more balanced attack offensively and improved defense, Penn State is back in the national title contender conversation if they get the right draw in the NCAA Tournament.
2014 Record: 17-3-0, 12-1-0
Coach: Erica Walsh
Good Results: 8/22 West Virginia (3-1), 10/5 at Wisconsin (2-0)
Bad Results: 10/11 Rutgers (0-1), 11/5 vs Northwestern (0-1)
Why They Can Surprise:
This is a very young and talented Nittany Lions side that has not been phased too often by a very challenging schedule throughout the season. The attack does not have to rely on a Maya Hayes type as in previous years and it gives Penn State a very steady, cohesive flow that is tough to slow down. Freshman striker Frannie Crouse has had an excellent initial season for the Nittany Lions and she has led a very strong freshman class up front. Junior Mallory Weber compliments Crouse with her experience and play making ability and Megan Schafer has done a nice job as well up front.
The midfield is also very deep with redshirt senior Emily Hurd, senior Kori Chapic, who plays up at forward as well, and junior Raquel Rodriguez. They have been rock solid all season long. The ability to defend at a much higher level this season has been a big difference maker for Penn State as redshirt junior goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom has been outstanding in goal. The backline has also been anchored by senior Whitney Church and freshman Maddie Elliston who, along with Eckerstrom, have kept the pressure off the attack to have to score three or more goals per match.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The potential to disappoint exists if the freshmen have issues in the NCAA tournament creating chances for themselves. Also, when the Nittany Lions have lost this season it has been an inability to break down defenses well enough to create a proper amount of dangerous scoring chances. Thus, it is going to be vital for Penn State to be patient as they have more than enough quality within their attack to have plenty of chances for goals in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Strikers:
Frannie Crouse, Freshman, 9 goals, 1 assist
Mallory Weber, Junior, 6 goals, 6 assists
Megan Schafer, Freshman, 5 goals, 6 assists
Kori Chapic, Senior, 5 goals, 6 assists
Key Midfielders:
Emily Hurd, Senior, 2 goals, 8 assists
Salina Williford, Sophomore, 4 goals, 4 assists
Raquel Rodriguez, Junior, 5 goals, 2 assists
Key Defenders:
Maddie Elliston, Freshman, 0 goals, 2 assists
Whitney Church, Senior, 1 goal, 1 assist
Key Goalkeepers:
Britt Eckerstrom, Junior, 0.63 goals against average, .806 save percentage, 7 shutouts
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 2.42 (18th in nation, 1st in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.679 (31, 3)
Shutout Percentage: .421 (67, 5)
Save Percentage: .812 (79, 5)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 First Round Defeated Monmouth
2013 Second Round Lost to Wake Forest
2012 First Round Defeated LIU-Brooklyn
2012 Second Round Defeated Boston College
2012 Third Round Defeated Michigan
2012 Quarterfinals Defeated Duke
2012 Semifinals Defeated Florida
2012 National Championship Lost to North Carolina
2011 First Round Defeated Army
2011 Second Round Defeated Marquette
2011 Third Round Lost to Wake Forest
2010 First Round Defeated Penn
2010 Second Round Lost to West Virginia
2009 First Round Defeated Colgate
2009 Second Round Lost to Virginia
2008 First Round Lost to Rutgers
2007 First Round Defeated Monmouth
2007 Second Round Defeated Hofstra
2007 Third Round Lost to West Virginia
*all team stats through 11/2
See All Women’s Soccer Postseason Capsules
