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FALL SPORTS
November 25, 2009
We've Moved
The Big Ten Fall Sports Blog has moved. The new blog site can be found by clicking here.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 13, 2009
Three Big Ten Teams Open NCAA Championship
Three Big Ten teams join in the quest to become the first NCAA Champion of the new season when Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State open play in the 2009 NCAA Field Hockey Championship, which begins Saturday.
Complete coverage of the Big Ten in the NCAA Championship can be found through this link at bigten.org.
MEN'S SOCCER
November 12, 2009
Big Ten Tournament Underway
The 2009 Big Ten Men's Soccer Tournament, hosted by Indiana, is underway in Bloomington, Ind. Follow along as bigten.org will provide updates throughout the tournament at our 2009 Big Ten Men's Soccer Tournament Central page. Live scoring, boxscores and postgame audio interviews are also available at Indiana's Tournament page.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 11, 2009
Big Ten Announces All-Conference Teams and Individual Honors
The Big Ten office announced the 2009 All-Big Ten and All-Freshman women's soccer teams, as well as individual award winners today. Penn State seniors Katie Schoepfer and Alyssa Naeher were tabbed Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, after leading the Nittany Lions to their Big Ten record-tying 12th-consecutive conference championship. PSU newcomer Christine Nairn takes home Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors while Erica Walsh earned the nod from her peers to garner Coach of the Year laurels. The selections marked the second Penn State sweep of the postseason honors and the first since the conference divided the award for Player of the Year into separate offensive and defensive accolades in 2004.
Look here to view the complete release.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 10, 2009
Three Big Ten Teams Earn NCAA Bids
Three Big Ten teams will represent the conference at the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships as Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State have been selected as part of the 16-team field, marking the 10th time in the last 11 seasons the conference will send three or more teams to the national tournament. The NCAA Championships begin this weekend, with first round games contested on Saturday, Nov. 14 and second round games scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15. First and second round matchups will be played at various campus sites.
Complete information on the Big Ten's selections into the NCAA Tournament can be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 10, 2009
Five Big Ten Teams NCAA Bound
Five Big Ten women's soccer teams have been selected to the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship, the NCAA selection committee announced on Monday. Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin will all vie for the national title when competition begins Friday, Nov. 13. Of those five teams, three were selected to host opening first and second-round competition,including OSU, PSU and UW.
Full Release
Complete Interactive Bracket
FIELD HOCKEY
November 10, 2009
Final Weekly Rankings
In the final 2009 Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, three Big Ten teams ranked among the nation's top 20 while another three also received votes.
Michigan State, fresh off its Big Ten Tournament championship, moved up to No. 6 in the rankings. The Spartans finished the season 17-3 and look to improve on their record when they begin play in the NCAA Championships, which begin this weekend. Indiana, with a 14-6 overall record, moved up to No. 13 in this week's poll after having advanced to its first Big Ten Tournament championship game in school history. Rounding out the ranked conference schools is Ohio State, which at 13-6 is No. 15 in this week's rankings.
Three other conference teams receiving votes include Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State.
At 8 p.m. ET tonight, the participants for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships will be officially announced live on a streamed event through this link. Michigan State, which earned the Big Ten's automatic berth by winning the Big Ten Tournament, knows it will be one of the 16 teams invited, but what other Big Ten schools will be joining the Spartans? Log on tonight to find out!
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 9, 2009
Big Ten Announces Final Weekly Laurels of 2009
The conference office announced on Monday the final weekly women's soccer award winners of the 2009 season for games played from Nov. 2-8. Big Ten Champion Penn State produced a pair of weekly honorees in Defensive Player of the Week Emma Thomson and Katie Schoepfer, who share co-Offensive Player of the week honors with Lauren Hill of Michigan State. Purdue newcomer Jessica Warren also earned her first Freshman of the Week laurel after helping the Boilermakers complete the regular season with a pair of wins last week.
Look here for more information on this week's honorees.
NCAA Selection Show Set to Reveal Tournament Bracket on ESPNews
All 11 Big Ten women's soccer teams will learn their postseason fate Monday night when the NCAA Selection Show unveils the DI Women's Soccer Tournament bracket on ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET. The First and second round games of the NCAA Championship are set for Friday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 15, respectively at various campus sites still to be determined. The 2009 NCAA Women's College Cup is slated for Dec. 4-6 on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas.
Penn State earned the Big Ten's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by virtue of its regular-season championship title. The Nittany Lions join the list of 30 automatic qualifiers from across the country as the ten other conference squads hope to secure one of the 34 remaining at-large spots in the 64-team field.
Complete championship information can be found by clicking here.
MEN'S SOCCER
November 9, 2009
Ohio State Sweeps Weekly Awards
The conference office announced on Monday the final weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Ohio State's David Tiemstra and Matt Lampson were tabbed Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, after leading their squad to its first outright Big Ten regular-season championship over the weekend. The selection marks Ohio State's first sweep over the weekly accolades since Sept. 12, 2005.
Look here for more information on this week's honorees.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 9, 2009
NCAA Championships Selection Show to Air on ncaa.com Tuesday Night
The 16 teams for the 2009 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships will be announced at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The brackets will be revealed when the selection show is streamed live on ncaa.com. The first and second rounds of the NCAA Championships will begin Nov. 14-15 at to be determined campus sites with the semifinals and finals contested Nov. 20-22 at Kentner Stadium at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Tuesday's selection show can be viewed by following this link. Complete championship information can be found by clicking here.
Michigan State earned the Big Ten's automatic berth into the championships by winning the Big Ten Tournament last weekend with a 3-2 win over Indiana.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 8, 2009
Penn State Earns Sole Possession of Big Ten Title
After celebrating at least a share of their 12th-straight Big Ten championship on Friday, the No. 22 Penn State women's soccer team captured the outright title by defeating Michigan 2-0 on Sunday. With the conference crown secured, the Nittany Lions garner the Big Ten automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. PSU becomes only the second Big Ten women's program to achieve the 12-conscutive milestone, joining the Michigan swimming and diving teams (1987-1998) in conference annals. The Nittany Lions finish the regular season with a 12-5-2 record, amassing an 8-1-1 mark in conference play. Read More ...
MEN'S SOCCER
November 8, 2009
Ohio State Captures First Outright Big Ten Title
Ohio State captured its first outright Big Ten regular-season Championship after defeating Michigan, 1-0, in front of a season-high home crowd at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on Saturday evening. With the win, the Buckeyes earn their first-ever No. 1 seed and an automatic spot in the semifinals in the 2009 Big Ten Men's Soccer Tournament. The postseason event will be held on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington, Ind., with opening round matchups slated for Thursday, Nov. 12, semifinals contested on Friday, Nov. 13, and the championship game played on Sunday, Nov. 15. The tournament champion will earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Championships.
Complete information and the 2009 tournament bracket can be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 8, 2009
Penn State Clinches Share of Big Ten Title and NCAA Bid
The Penn State women's soccer team clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title and a berth to this year's NCAA Championship after Michigan State upset No. 11-ranked Ohio State in front of a home crowd on Friday afternoon. This marks the 12th-consecutive year PSU has earned at least a share of the conference title, dating back to 1997. The No. 22-rated Nittany Lions will have an opportunity to capture the outright title on Sunday when they travel to meet the Michigan Wolverines in a Noon ET contest.
For more information, look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 8, 2009
Spartans Win Big Ten Tournament
After falling behind early to start Sunday's championship game of the 2009 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament, the No. 1 seed Michigan State Spartans scored three times before halftime to win its third Big Ten Tournament Championship with a 3-2 victory over third-seeded Indiana. The win gives Michigan State the Big Ten's automatic berth into the NCAA Championship, which opens Nov. 14.
Michigan State's Jeamie Deacon scored twice to help pace the Spartans (17-3), who previously won Big Ten Tournament titles in 2002 and 2003. Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Floor Rijpma scored the other Spartan goal. Michigan State will be making its third-straight trip to the NCAA Championships, seventh overall.
More information on the 2009 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament and members of the All-Tournament Team can be found by clicking here.
MEN'S SOCCER
November 5, 2009
This Is It
The weekend tilt begins on Friday with a pivotal conference showdown as Indiana takes on No. 25-ranked Penn State in a 3 p.m. contest on IU's Bloomington campus. The Nittany Lions currently occupy the top spot in the conference standings, sitting one point ahead of Ohio State and Wisconsin, who are tied in second place with nine points apiece. With a win over the Hoosiers, PSU could clinch the regular season title and secure the No. 1 seed in next week's Big Ten Tournament.
The regular season wraps up on Saturday with two Big Ten matchups, both slated for a 6 p.m. ET start time. OSU welcomes border-rival Michigan in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network, while No. 17-rated Northwestern plays host to Michigan State with huge postseason implications weighing in the balance.
Even with a setback against the Hoosiers, Penn State could still clinch at least a share of the regular season championship if the Wolverines oust the Buckeyes and fourth-place Northwestern ties or falls to the Spartans on Saturday. Wisconsin has already completed its conference schedule, and will finish the regular season slate with a 3-3-0 ledger against Big Ten foes.
Check back in this weekend, for more updates on the conference championship race.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 5, 2009
All for the Taking
Only five matchups remain as Big Ten women's soccer enters the final stretch of regular season play with the conference crown on the line, not to mention an automatic bid to this year's NCAA Championship. In its first year without a postseason tournament, The Big Ten regular-season champion will earn the coveted berth in the NCAA Tournament. Penn State currently sits in a tie for first place with Ohio State atop the Big Ten standings with one game left for each contender.
Rating No. 11 in the latest NSCAA/adidas poll, the Buckeyes will journey to Michigan State for a 3 p.m. showdown on Friday evening. A win in East Lansing will earn the Scarlet and Gray at least a share of the Big Ten title.
The No.22-ranked Nittany Lions look to wrap up their conference season on Sunday against Michigan, with kick off scheduled for Noon ET. Depending on Friday's results between OSU and MSU, a win over the Wolverines will give PSU at least a share of the Big Ten title for the 12-conseuctive season.
If both games have the same result, yielding a tie atop the standings, Penn State will earn the automatic bid the NCAA Tournament by virtue of its head-to-head 2-1 win over the Buckeyes earlier in the season on Oct. 4. .
FIELD HOCKEY
November 5, 2009
Big Ten Announces All-Big Ten Teams
The Big Ten Conference office announced the 2009 All-Big Ten field hockey teams and individual awards Thursday, with 2009 conference champion Michigan State winning two individual honors. Spartan senior Floor Rijpma was a unanimous choice for Offensive Player of the Year while her coach, Rolf van de Kerkhof, was honored as Coach of the Year. Additionally, Ohio State's Berta Queralt was named the conference's Freshman of the Year, and Iowa senior Meghan Beamesderfer was crowned the Defensive Player of the Year.
The complete release and a list of first- and second-team members and Sportsmanship Award honorees can be found here.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 5, 2009
Big Ten Tournament Action Underway
The 2009 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament, hosted by Michigan State, is underway in East Lansing, Mich. Follow along as bigten.org will provide updates throughout the tournament at our 2009 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament Central page. Live scoring, boxscores and postgame audio interviews are also available at Michigan State's tournament page.
CROSS COUNTRY
November 4, 2009
Big Ten Announces Postseason Accolades
Minnesota junior Hassan Mead and Penn State senior Bridget Franek have been named men's and women's Big Ten Cross Country Athletes of the Year, conference officials announced today. Wisconsin's Maverick Darling and Penn State's Nicole Lord earned the nod as Freshmen of the Year; while Badger coach Mick Byrne and Beth Alford-Sullivan of Penn State take home Coach of the Year honors.
In the Polls
MEN'S: Three Big Ten teams graced the latest USTFCCCA rankings, with 2009 Big Ten Champion Wisconsin leading the pack at No. 10. Rounding out the top-30 teams in the country are Ohio State and Minnesota, checking in at No. 28 and No. 29, respectively.
The Badgers earned a top-billing in the Great Lakes Region, followed closely behind Ohio State (No. 3), Indiana (No. 4) and Michigan (No. 5). Penn State voted in at No. 10 in the Mid-Atlantic Region, while Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois ranked among the Midwest Region's top-10 squads. Stanford tops the national poll ahead of runner-up Oklahoma and third-ranked Oregon, with regional competition slated for Saturday, Nov. 14.
WOMEN'S: The latest version of the USTFCCCA women's top-30 poll highlighted six Big Ten teams, headlined by 2009 team champion Penn State. The Nittany Lions jumped seven spots, voting in just outside the top-10 at No. 11. On their heels, the Fighting Illini checked in at No. 13 while Minnesota ranks third among conference schools at No. 17 in this week's rankings. Michigan garnered a spot at No. 23 while Michigan State and Iowa round out the conference contingent at No. 26 and No. 30, respectively.
In the regional polls, Michigan leads all Great Lakes teams, including five other Big Ten squads. Michigan State claimed the runner-up spot, followed by Indiana (No. 4), Ohio State (No. 5), Purdue (No. 8) and Wisconsin (No. 13). The Nittany Lions rank fourth among all Mid-Atlantic schools, while Illinois and Minnesota top the charts in the Midwest region at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, followed by Iowa in the fourth-place position.
Washington continues to lead all women's teams in the national poll, with Villanova and Florida rounding out the top three as they prepare for regional action.
For a complete look at the national rankings, look here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 3, 2009
National Rankings
Three Big Ten teams decorate the latest NSCAA/adidas national poll, released Tuesday. Ohio State (14-2-2, 7-1-1) continues to lead the pack, moving up four spots from last week to No. 11. Also improving from last week's ratings, Penn State (11-5-2, 7-1-1) climbs three spots, checking in at No. 22. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions currently sit in a tie for first place in the conference standings with 22 points apiece as the Big Ten enters its final week of regular season play. Rounding out the conference squads represented in this week's poll is Purdue (10-5-3, 3-3-2), voting in at No. 23. Indiana (10-5-2, 2-4-2) dropped out of the top 25, but continues to receive votes this week.
For a complete look at this week's national rankings, look here.
MEN'S SOCCER
November 3, 2009
In the Polls
The Big Ten Conferences saw two men's soccer teams featured in the latest edition of the NSCAA/adidas national poll, released Tuesday. Northwestern (9-3-4, 2-2-1) is enjoying its sixth straight week inside the top 25, voting in at No. 17. Penn State jumped back into the national rankings after receiving votes last week, rounding out the poll at No. 25. Ohio State (9-4-4, 3-2-0) and Michigan State (10-4-2, 2-3-0) are also receiving votes outside the top 25.
For a complete look at this week's national rankings, look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 3, 2009
2009 Big Ten Tournament Preview
The Big Ten's seven field hockey teams will converge on the Michigan State campus this week, for the 2009 edition of the Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament. The tournament winner will earn the conference's automatic berth into the NCAA Championships.
Opening round matches will be Thursday with No. 4 Iowa facing No. 5 Michigan at 11 a.m. ET, No. 2 Ohio State squaring off against No. 7 Penn State at 1:15 p.m. ET, and No. 3 Indiana playing No. 6 Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Friday's games begin at 12:15 p.m. ET when No. 1 seed Michigan State faces the Iowa-Michigan winner, then the winners of the Ohio State-Penn State and Indiana-Northwestern games faceoff at 2 p.m. ET. The tournament's championship game will be at Noon ET on Sunday. The semifinals and final will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.
For complete information on the 2009 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament, click here.
Weekly Rankings
Six Big Ten teams received votes in the newest Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released Tuesday morning, with three schools ranking among the top 20.
Michigan State leads all Big Ten schools in the rankings, checking in at No. 8. Ohio State moved up in this week's poll, earning a No. 12 ranking, while Indiana remained steady at No. 18. Also receiving votes this week were Northwestern, Iowa, and Michigan.
MEN'S SOCCER
November 2, 2009
Michigan Takes Home Weekly Honors
The conference office announced on Monday the ninth weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Michigan's Matt Schmitt and Chris Blais were tabbed Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for games played through Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. The Wolverine duo powered U-M to a 1-0 double-overtime victory over No. 12-ranked Northwestern on Sunday.
For more information on this week's award winners, look here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
November 2, 2009
Penn State Sweeps Weekly Awards
The conference office announced on Monday the 11th weekly women's soccer award winners for games played through Oct.26 through Nov. 1. Penn State produced a clean sweep of the weekly laurels as the conference tabbed Danielle Toney and Alyssa Naeher Offensive and Defensive Players of the week, respectively, while newcomer Christine Nairn was named Freshman of the Week. The Penn State trio propeled the Nittany Lions to a pair of crucial wins over No. 22 Purude and No. 23 Indiana last week.
For more information on this week's honorees, look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
November 2, 2009
Weekly Award Winners
On Monday, the Big Ten Conference office announced the final field hockey weekly award winners of the 2009 season. Michigan State's Floor Rijpma repeated as Offensive Player of the Week, Iowa's Meghan Beamesderfer and Ohio State's Lindsay Quintiliani were named Co-Defensive Players of the Week and Iowa's Sarah Drake won Freshman of the Week honors.
Complete information on this week's winners can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
November 1, 2009
Wisconsin and Penn State Capture Big Ten Titles
For the 11th-straight season the Wisconsin men's cross country team captured the Big Ten Championship title in dominating fashion, placing five of their runners among the top eight finishers to best the field by an astonishing 65 points. The Badgers extended their own conference record for consecutive championships, collecting 26 team points en route to the conference crown on Sunday at the Penn State University White Golf Course.
Minnesota junior Hassan Mead captured his second Big Ten individual title in as many seasons, completing the 5.2 mile-course a full five seconds ahead of the field in 25:00.2
On the women's side, host Penn State garnered its first Big Ten Championship title, amassing 71 team points to edge Illinois (77) by a narrow six-points. Nittany Lion senior Bridget Franek claimed top honors in the event, crossing the finish line in a time of 20:03 - the second fastest six-kilometer mark ever recorded by an individual titlist in Big Ten Championships history.
For a complete recap and results from today's Championship, look below:
Men's Recap / Results
Women's Recap / Results
FIELD HOCKEY
October 31, 2009
Big Ten Tournament Matchups Announced
Seedings and matchups for the Big Ten Tournament, hosted by Michigan State University, were set Saturday with the conclusion of the regular season. Michigan State earned the No. 1 seed after winning its first outright Big Ten Championship in school history and an automatic spot in the tournament semifinals.
Ohio State earned the conference's No. 2 seed and will face seventh-seeded Penn State in the tournament's second game at approximately 1:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. Third-seeded Indiana will face No. 6 Northwestern at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET, while No. 4 Iowa will face No. 5 Michigan in the tournament opener at 11 a.m. ET.
Michigan State will face the winner of the Iowa-Michigan matchup in the first semifinal at 12:15 p.m. ET and the winner of Ohio State-Penn State will face the winner of Indiana-Northwestern in the second semifinal at approximately 2 p.m. ET. The championship and the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Championship will be on the line at Noon ET on Sunday. The tournament semifinals and final will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.
Complete information and the 2009 tournament bracket can be found here.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 31, 2009
Race for Conference Supremacy
With only two weekends remaining before postseason play, the pursuit for Big Ten supremacy continues to heat up in a conference race that is chock-full of parity. A trio of conference matchups decorate this weekend's schedule, highlighted by a Halloween showdown between the top two teams in the current Big Ten standings in Wisconsin (3-2-0, 6-7-2) and Penn State (2-1-1, 9-5-2). The Nittany Lions will look to dethrone the Badgers from their top spot as they welcome Todd Yeagley and company to State College for a 3 p.m. ET contest. The Big Ten Network will air coverage of the game on tape delay on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.
Sunday features a pair of Big Ten matchups as Ohio State travels to Indiana for a 2 p.m. ET contest. The Buckeyes and Hoosiers are currently tied for fourth place in the conference standings with Michigan State, each owning 2-3-0 ledgers against conference opponents. The Spartans will take a break from Big Ten action as the square off against San Diego State at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon. Rounding out the weekend slate, Michigan will host No. 12 Northwestern in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network. The Wildcats are currently tied with Penn State in the runner-up spot, sitting a mere two points behind in the race for the regular season conference title.
CoSIDA Announces Academic All-District Teams
The Big Ten boasted four men' soccer players selected to the CoSIDA ESPN the Magazine Academic-All District Team in recognition of their standout efforts on the soccer field and in the classroom. Indiana's Ofori Sarkodie, Michigan's Chris Blais and Penn State's Jason Yeisley were named to the first team while Nittany Lion defender Andy Parr earned second team honors.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 31, 2009
Conference Call
Heading into the second-to-last weekend of regular season action, the race for the Big Ten regular season championship nears its climax as the four nationally ranked teams in the conference face off to highlight four Big Ten matchups Sunday afternoon. Beginning the afternoon with a Noon ET matchup, No. 25 Penn State (6-1-1, 10-5-2) welcomes No. 22 Purdue (3-2-2, 10-4-3) to Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions currently share the top spot in the conference standings with Ohio State (6-1-1, 13-2-2), each owning 19 points apiece. The Buckeyes will also play host on Sunday to No. 23 Indiana (2-3-2, 10-4-2), slated for 1 p.m. ET.
In other conference action, Illinois (2-4-2, 7-7-3) will continue its two-game homestead against Michigan (0-3-5, 5-8-5) while Michigan State (2-4-2, 9-4-4) travels to Iowa (1-7-0-)as they Hawkeyes look to earn their second straight Big Ten win. Both matchups are scheduled to kickoff at 2 p.m. ET.
CoSIDA Announces Academic All-District Teams
The Big Ten saw 12 women's soccer student-athletes named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District teams, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Thursday.
Congratulations to Illinois' Krystin Miller (District Five, second team); Indiana's Devon Beach (District Five, second team); Michigan's Jackie Carron (District Four, second team) and Kristen Goncalves (District Four, third team); Michigan State's Lauren Hill (District Four first team) and Laura Heyboer (District Four, third team); Minnesota's Kylie Kallman (District Five, first team); Northwestern's Emily Langston (District Five, second team); Penn State's Katie Schoepfer (District Two, second team); Purdue's Jessica Okoroafo (District Five, first team) and Katie Seeger (District Five, second team); and Wisconsin's Laurie Nosbusch (District Five, first team).
FIELD HOCKEY
October 30, 2009
The Final Weekend
The final weekend of Big Ten field hockey action begins today as the seedings for next week's Big Ten Tournament will unfold. The Michigan State Spartans clinched the No. 1 seed by winning their first outright Big Ten Championship in school history last weekend, but the rest of the field will be determined by Saturday's action.
Before that, Iowa will end the season in non-conference action when it faces No. 11 James Madison at 2 p.m. on Friday in a neutral-site match in Washington, D.C. On Saturday, the Hawkeyes will wrap their regular season when they face American at 1 p.m. ET.
Also on Saturday, three conference matchups will help determine the final six sees of next week's Big Ten Tournament. At Noon ET, No. 8 Michigan State travels to face Penn State, No. 18 Indiana travels to Michigan for a 1 p.m. ET game, and No. 13 Ohio State faces No. 20 Northwestern at 1 p.m. CT.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 27, 2009
National Rankings
Four Big Ten Teams earned spots in the newest edition of the NSCAA/adidas National Poll released Tuesday. Ohio State (13-2-2, 6-1-1) led all conference teams, improving four spots from last week to No. 15. Checking in at No. 22 and No. 23 were Purdue (9-4-3, 3-2-2) and Indiana (10-3-2, 2-2-2), respectively. Rounding out the Big Ten contingent was Penn State (9-5-2, 5-1-1), who returned to the top 25 for the first time in seven weeks, voting in at No. 25.
The complete rankings can be found here.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 27, 2009
Big Ten in the National Polls
Northwestern (9-2-4, 2-1-1) was the lone Big Ten team to grace this week's NSCAA/adidas Poll, voting in at No. 12. The Wildcats climbed five spots in the national rankings from the previous poll after garnering a pair of shutout victories over Loyola Chicago and Indiana last week. Penn State (9-4-2, 2-1-1) and Ohio State (8-4-4, 2-2-0) were also receiving votes outside the top 25.
The complete rankings can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
October 27, 2009
Runners of the Week
Ohio State's Jeff See and Michigan's Kaitlyn Peale garnered the final weekly cross country awards of the season after capturing top individual honors at the EMU Fall Classic in final preparation for the upcoming Big Ten Championships. See completed the five-kilometer course in 15:03, besting the field by more than 10 seconds while Peale clocked a 17:24 on the same course to earn her first collegiate cross country victory.
For more information on this week's honorees, look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 27, 2009
From Catalonia to Columbus
Field hockey brought them together in Barcelona, and thoughts of winning championships brought them overseas to Ohio State University. Buckeye freshman Berta Queralt and sophomore Maria Briones' journey from Spain to Columbus, Ohio is profiled in this NCAA.com feature.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 26, 2009
Northwestern Sweeps Weekly Awards
For the second consecutive week one program swept the weekly men's soccer laurels as Northwestern's Matt Eliason and Misha Rosenthal were tabbed Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for games played through Oct. 19-26. The weekly award is the second for the Wildcat duo this season. Eliason tallied his 12th goal of the year in Sunday's 2-0 win over Indiana, improving his career goals total to 29 - one shy of the Northwestern all-time record. His 12 goals are good enough to rank second in the nation in games played to date, and rate as the second-best season total in program history. For his stellar performance, Eliason was tabbed National Player of the Week by College Soccer News. On the defensive end, Rosenthal posted a pair of clean sheets in NU's two contests last week, padding his school career-shutout record total to 28.
For more information on this week's honorees, look here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 26, 2009
Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the tenth weekly women's soccer award winners for games played through Oct. 20-26. Penn State's Katie Schoepfer and Ohio State's Lauren Robertson garnered their second weekly laurels in as many weeks and Haley Kopmeyer matched the Michigan rookie shutout record to earn her second Freshman of the Week award of the season.
Schoepfer collects her fifth career weekly laurel after recording her first collegiate hat trick, and only the 13th triple-scoring effort in Penn State history in the Nittany Lions 6-0 rout over Illinois on Sunday. The senior forward now leads the team in points (26) and goals (10) and is also tied for first with six assists this season. On the defensive end, Robertson posted her 12th shutout of the season while preserving the pivotal conference victory over the No.18-ranked Boilermakers on Sunday. She now ranks second-all time in Big Ten annals with 29 career shutouts. Meanwhile, Kopmeyer earned her fifth shutout of the season, nabbing five saves in the double overtime 0-0 draw with Wisconsin.
For more information on this week's honorees, look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 26, 2009
Weekly Award Winners
On Monday, the Big Ten Conference office announced the field hockey weekly award winners. After clinching the first outright Big Ten Championship in school history, Michigan State claimed Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors as Floor Rijpma and Holly Sherman earned those awards, respectively, this week. Indiana's Shareyna Chang and Penn State's Kelsey Amy shared this week's Freshman of the Week award.
More information on this week's winners can be found here.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 25, 2009
Michigan State Wins First Outright Big Ten Championship
The Michigan State Spartans clinched their first outright Big Ten Championship Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. The Spartans remain perfect in Big Ten play with a 5-0 mark and a 14-3 record overall. The Big Ten Network will televise Sunday's match in tape delay at 8 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon.
For more information on Michigan State's first outright Big Ten Championship, click here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 23, 2009
Race for the Conference Title
In its first year without a conference tournament, the Big Ten regular-season champion will earn the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. With only two weeks left in conference play, every team is fighting to make some headway in the race for the conference title.
Things heat up this weekend as No. 18 Purdue travels to Columbus, Ohio, to face No. 19 Ohio State in a pivotal conference title showdown, slated for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon. The Buckeyes seized sole possession of the Big Ten lead with a 3-0 blanking over Illinois on Thursday, upping their tally to 16 points, seven games into its conference schedule. Purdue currently sits in a tie with Minnesota for fourth place in the conference standings after earning 11 points through its first six conference games. The Boilermakers enter the weekend fresh off two consecutive shutout wins over Michigan and Evansville and will look to interrupt OSU's five-game unbeaten streak. Sunday will mark the 18th meeting between the two programs with the Boilermakers leading the all-time series 8-7-2.
Wisconsin sits one game back in the race for the conference championship, with 15 points. The Badgers conclude the regular season with a three-game road-swing, including a visit to Michigan on Sunday, where they will look to improve their unbeaten streak to six. The match is scheduled for a 2 p.m. (ET) start time.
Rounding out the top three teams in the current conference standings is Penn State who enters the weekend in striking distance, sitting only three points behind the Big Ten frontrunner. The Nittany Lions welcome Illinois to Happy Valley for a 2 p.m. contest on Sunday in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network.
In other conference action, No. 24 Indiana plays host to Iowa, while Michigan State prepares to entertain Minnesota in a noon matchup to be televised live on the Big Ten Network from East Lansing, Mich. .
FIELD HOCKEY
October 23, 2009
Spartans Clinch Share of Conference Crown
With their 2-1 victory over the visiting Ohio State Buckeyes, the Michigan State Spartans earned at least a share of the Big Ten Championship Friday night at the Ralph Young Field in East Lansing, Mich. It is the fourth time they have earned the regular-season crown and the first conference championship since 2004. The Spartans have a chance to earn the outright championship Sunday when they host the Michigan Wolverines in Noon ET contest.
The Michigan State-Ohio State matchup will be televised by the Big Ten Network in tape delay at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. Michigan State's game with Michigan will also be televised in tape delay by the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.
More information can be found here.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 23, 2009
Down the Stretch
With just two weeks remaining in conference play, the race for the men's soccer regular season title is heating up. This weekend highlights three conference matchups, all slated for Sunday afternoon. Up first, Wisconsin will entertain No. 25 Ohio State at 2 p.m. (ET) while Michigan goes on the road to meet in-state rival Michigan State, with kick off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wrapping up the weekend, the No. 17-ranked Northwestern Wildcats will play host to Indiana at 4 p.m. in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network.
Look here for the most up-to-date conference stats and standings.
Don't forget to visit the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award soccer online ballot where you can cast your vote for Penn State's Jason Yeisley. Fan balloting will be available on the award's official Web site, http://www.seniorCLASSaward.com through Friday, Nov. 13. Fans can also text SOCCER to 74567.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 23, 2009
Weekend Update
Heading into the second-to-last weekend of regular season action, the race for the Big Ten regular season championship nears its climax as the top two teams in the conference face off to highlight a trio of Big Ten matchups Friday afternoon.
In a 3 p.m. ET contest, No. 15 Ohio State (11-7, 3-1 Big Ten) visits No. 8 Michigan State (12-3, 3-0) with the winner having the inside track to the No. 1 seed in next month's Big Ten Tournament. That match will also be televised in tape delay by the Big Ten Network at 6 p.m. ET on Monday. Other Friday matchups include Penn State (5-10, 1-3) at No. 20 Indiana (9-5, 2-2) at 3 p.m. ET and Iowa (2-3, 5-9) at No. 19 Northwestern (12-5, 1-3) at 4 p.m. ET.
After one non-conference game Saturday, featuring Penn State against Pacific in a neutral site match in Bloomington, Ind., four matches decorate Sunday's schedule, including three non-conference matchups. At Noon ET, Pacific will face Indiana and No. 14 Louisville visits Iowa, then at 1 p.m. ET, No. 13 Duke travels to No. 15 Ohio State. Michigan (7-9, 2-2) travels to in-state rival Michigan State in the day's only conference tilt. That match will also be aired by the Big Ten Network in tape delay at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 21, 2009
Seven Seniors Invited to All-Star Game
Seven Big Ten student-athletes have been selected to play in this year's NFHCA Division I Senior All-Star Game, the association announced Wednesday.
Indiana's Lucy Ireland and Meg O'Connell, Iowa's Meghan Beamesderfer and Tricia Dean, Michigan State's Jeamie Deacon and Floor Rijpma and Northwestern's Courtney Plaster-Strange all earned invitations to this year's event, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET, Nov. 21 on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.
More information about the All-Star game can be found at nfhca.org, and clicking on the '09-'10 Honors and Awards tab at the left.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 20, 2009
In The Polls
Two Big Ten teams were highlighted in the latest NSCAA National Rankings, in Northwestern (7-2-4) and Ohio State (8-3-3). The Wildcats checked in at No. 17, falling one spot from last week after suffering a hard-fought, double-overtime setback to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Buckeyes rounded out the top 25 teams in the country, returning to the national rankings after claiming a share of the runner-up spot in the conference race last week. Indiana (2-1-0) and Penn State (2-1-1) are also receiving votes.
Look here for the complete poll.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 20, 2009
In The Polls
Three conference teams decorate this week's NSCAA/adidas Poll. Sitting neck-and-neck inside the top 20 are Purdue (8-3-3) and Ohio State (11-2-2), who maintained their positions at No. 18 and No. 19, respectively, from a week ago. Rounding out the conference contingent is Indiana (9-3-2), voting in at No. 24. Penn State (8-5-2) is also receiving votes.
Look here for the complete poll.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 20, 2009
Big Ten In The National Polls
In the newest edition of the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released Tuesday, all seven Big Ten teams received votes with four conference squads earning spots in the top 20.
Checking in at No. 8 was Michigan State, the fourth week in a row the Spartans have maintained that ranking. Moving up five spots from last week was Ohio State, which was voted in at No. 14 this week. Rounding out the top 20 was Northwestern at No. 19 and Indiana at No. 20. Also receiving votes this week was Michigan, Iowa and Penn State.
The complete rankings can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
October 20, 2009
Illinois and Minnesota Capture Weekly Awards
Illinois' Angela Bizzarri and Minnesota's Hassan Mead raced their way to weekly laurels after capturing top-five finishes at Saturday's Pre-National Invitational in Terre, Haute, Ind. The meet was held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course, the same facility that will play host to the NCAA Championships in November. Bizzarri claimed top honors for the first time since 2006, besting a field of nearly 250 competitors with a time of 20:27.8 in the six-kilometer event. In the men's division, Mead earned a fifth-place finish, completing the eight-kilometer course in a time of 23:49.2 to run away with this second weekly award of the 2009 season.
For more information on this week's honorees, look here.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 19, 2009
Michign State Sweeps Weekly Honors
The conference office announced on Monday the seventh weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Michigan State's Jeff Ricondo and Avery Steinlage earned offensive and defensive honors, respectively, for their stellar performances in MSU's 1-0 double-overtime victory over No. 23 Indiana on Sunday. The outcome marked MSU's third consecutive win over the Hoosiers, dating back to last season when the Spartans took both meetings. The selection marks the first Spartan sweep over the men's soccer weekly accolades since November of 2008. READ MORE ...
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 19, 2009
Big Ten Annoucnes Weekly Honorees
The conference office announced on Monday the ninth weekly women's soccer award winners for games played through Oct. 12-19. Penn State's Katie Schoepfer and Wisconsin's Laurie Nosbusch were tabbed co-Offensive Players of the Week, while Badger newcomer Monica Lam-Feist garnered her second Freshman of the Week award. On the defensive end, Lauren Robertson collects her third weekly laurel of the 2009 campaign. READ MORE ...
FIELD HOCKEY
October 19, 2009
Weekly Award Winners
The Big Ten Conference office announced the winners of the weekly field hockey awards on Monday. Ohio State's Maria Briones won Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second straight week, Indiana's Alex Mann won Defensive Player of the Week, and Michigan State's Adelle Lever and Ohio State's Berta Queralt shared Freshman of the Week accolades.
For more information on this week's winners, click here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 16, 2009
The Race for Conference Supremacy Heats Up
Purdue surged back to the top of the Big Ten standings with 11 points after earning a 1-0 victory over Michigan on Thursday evening. The No. 18-ranked Boilermakers were fifth entering the game, but catapulted ahead of Minnesota and Wisconsin, who are now tied for second place in the conference race with 10 points apiece. Rounding out the top five teams with nine points are Ohio State and Penn State, each owning 3-1-0 ledgers against conference opponents. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions will have their opportunity to make headway in the Big Ten leaderboard this weekend as they prepare for a Midwest road swing against second-place foes.
Minnesota will look to reclaim the lead this weekend as they welcome the Nittany Lions and the No. 19-ranked Buckeyes to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Friday and Sunday, respectively. The Maroon and Gold have not lost at home in 19 straight matches dating back to the 2007 season, but Penn State holds a 15-3 advantage over Minnesota all-time, out-scoring the Gophers, 43-17 overall.
Meanwhile in Madison, Wis., the Badgers are looking to score their first conference home-wins of the season. The Cardinal and White will face tough competition as they play host to a red-hot Ohio State team at 8 p.m. (ET) on Friday. The Buckeyes have won nine of its last 10 contests, but trail the all-time series with Wisconsin, 7-8-3, splitting the last four matchups. On Sunday, Penn State will greet the upstart Badger squad that has won three of its last four as the conference race continues to heat up.
In other conference action, Illinois will travel to Iowa on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET). Both teams will be in the hunt for their first Big Ten win of the season.
Also on Sunday, Michigan State visits Northwestern and Michigan welcomes No. 22 Indiana to Ann Arbor, in a game to be televised on tape delay by the Big Ten Network. Both conference matchups are slated for 2 p.m. (ET).
For complete conference standings and stats look here.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 16, 2009
Weekend Preview
A trio of conference matchups decorates the fourth weekend of Big Ten men's soccer, with all three conference frontrunners in action. Penn State sits atop the Big Ten standings with seven points, while Indiana trails close behind with six. Positioned just two points behind the runner-up spot is Northwestern with four points to its name. The nationally-ranked threesome remains the only undefeated teams in the conference standings in games played to date.
The weekend slate opens Saturday with No. 16 Northwestern entertaining Wisconsin in the Wildcats' Big Ten home opener at 8 p.m. (ET). Earlier this week, NU debuted at No. 1 in the NCAA's initial RPI report, and will look to keep its 10-game win streak alive against the Badgers.
Sunday's opening game pits No. 23 Indiana against Michigan State in a game to be televised live from Bloomington, Ind., on the Big Ten Network at 2 p.m. (ET). Meanwhile, No. 24 Penn State will wrap up the weekend when it visits Ohio State in an afternoon showdown, also scheduled for a 2 p.m. (ET) start time.
For complete conference standings and stats look here.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 16, 2009
Coming Up This Weekend
A pair of nationally televised conference matchups highlights another weekend of Big Ten field hockey play, which begins Friday when No. 8 Michigan State (11-3, 2-0 Big Ten) travels to Iowa (4-7, 1-2) for a 4 p.m. CT contest. The Spartans have won six-straight matches, but the Hawkeyes own a 16-5 advantage in Iowa City against Michigan State.
Saturday features two conference tilts when Michigan (6-8, 2-1) visits No. 20 Ohio State (10-4, 2-1). Both teams have won three of their last four games, and with identical 2-1 conference marks, Saturday's match will help shape next month's Big Ten Tournament. Also on Saturday, No. 16 Northwestern (12-4, 1-2) heads to Indiana (8-5, 1-2) in a contest that will be televised by the Big Ten Network in tape delay at Noon ET on Sunday. Both Saturday matchups will begin at 1 p.m. ET.
The weekend will wrap on Sunday with two games, one of which will have conference implications as Penn State (5-9, 1-2) travels to Iowa for a 1 p.m. CT matchup. The game will be aired by the Big Ten Network in tape delay at 8 p.m. ET on Monday. Michigan will conclude the weekend in non-conference action when it visits Miami (OH) in a 1 p.m. ET contest.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 13, 2009
In the Polls
Three conference teams grace the latest edition of the NSCAA/adidas top 25 announced Tuesday. Northwestern leads all Big Ten squads, improving five spots from last week's poll to No. 16. Indiana and Penn State are neck-and-neck, checking in at No. 23 and No. 24,respectively. The Ohio State Buckeyes also continue to receive votes for the second-straight week. COMPLETE POLL
Updated conference standings can also be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 13, 2009
In the Polls
The latest NSCAA national rankings highlight three Big Ten teams among the top 25 in the country. The Purdue Boilermakers continue to lead all conference squads for the sixth consecutive week, voting in at No. 18. Nipping at their heels, Ohio State leaped six spots from last week's poll to garner a No. 19 national ranking. The Buckeyes are currently tied for third place in the conference standings with Penn State, each owning Big Ten records of 3-1-0. Returning to the top 25 for the first time in three weeks is Indiana, checking in at No. 22.
Two conference teams are also receiving votes in Minnesota and Michigan State. After three weeks of Big Ten play, the Gophers boast a 3-0-1 conference ledger, and remain the only undefeated team in Big Ten games played to date. COMPLETE POLL
Updated conference standings can also be found here.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 13, 2009
Weekly Rankings
In the latest Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, all seven Big Ten field hockey teams received votes in this week's rankings, with three conference schools earning top 20 status.
Michigan State remained at No. 8 in the rankings for the third straight week. The Spartans have won six-straight matches, are undefeated in Big Ten play, and boast an 11-3 record overall. Also being voted into the top 20 were Northwestern (12-4), checking in at No. 16, and Ohio State (9-4), earning a No. 19 ranking.
The remaining four Big Ten schools ranked outside of the top 20, but still received votes this week. Indiana (8-5), Iowa (4-7), Michigan (6-8) and Penn State (4-9) were all recognized by the voters.
Complete Big Ten statistics and standings can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
October 13, 2009
Runners of the Week
The conference announced on Tuesday men's and women's Cross Country Runners of the Week in Michigan's Peter Christmas and Purdue's Katie Conrad. In his first collegiate win, Christmas claimed top individual honors at the Michigan Intercollegiate on Friday, winning the 8,000-meter race with a time of 25:07.8. On the women's side, Conrad smashed her personal 6,000-meter record and led the Boilermakers to their second straight victory at the Gibson Family Invitational. She is the first women's cross country runner to bring home the weekly laurel to Purdue since Lindsay Zinn accomplished the feat in September, 2001. READ MORE
FIELD HOCKEY
October 12, 2009
Players of the Week
The Big Ten announced its weekly field hockey award winners on Monday, with four players being honored. Northwestern's Chelsea Armstrong and Ohio State's Maria Briones shared Offensive Player of the Week, Michigan State's Elissa Unger won Defensive Player of the Week, and Ohio State's Berta Queralt claimed Freshman of the Week honors.
For complete information on this week's winners, please click here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 12, 2009
Players of the Week
The conference office announced today weekly women's soccer award winners for games played through Oct. 5-11. Danielle Toney garnered weekly offensive laurels after notching an impressive six points in Penn State's pair of shutouts over Northwestern (2-0) and Iowa (4-0). On the defensive end, Minnesota's Jennie Clark raked in the weekly award after sparking the Gopher defense to a 1-0 upset over No. 9 Purdue. With the win, Minnesota becomes the first Midwest team to shutout the Boilermakers and return from West Lafayette, Ind., victorious, in 2009. In addition, Haley Kopmeyer became the first-ever Michigan newcomer to bring home Freshman of the Week honors. The redshirt-freshman goalkeeper came up strong between the pipes on Sunday, making two monster saves in overtime to preserve the 0-0 draw against in-state rival Michigan State. READ MORE ...
MEN'S SOCCER
October 12, 2009
Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the sixth weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Wisconsin's Scott Lorenz garnered Offensive Player of the Week honors after notching two goals, including the game-winner, for the Badgers in Sunday's 2-1 double-overtime win over Michigan State. Meanwhile, Ohio State's Matt Lampson earned his second defensive laurel in as many weeks. The redshirt-freshman goalkeeper posted a pair of clean sheets to lead his squad over Oakland and Cleveland State last week as the Buckeyes took a break from conference play. READ MORE ...
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 9, 2009
Conference Call
Another weekend of Big Ten women's soccer begins today with four conference teams in action. Iowa travels to Ohio State in search of its first conference win, while Penn State welcomes Northwestern to Happy Valley for a 7 p.m. (ET) start time.
Five conference matchups decorate Sunday's schedule. Minnesota and No. 9 Purdue will look to deal one another their first conference loss of the season as the Gophers journey to West Lafayette, Ind., in a contest slated for 1 p.m. (ET). Also in that hour, Michigan treks to East Lansing, Mich., to face in-state rival Michigan State, while Illinois hosts Wisconsin in Champaign, Ill., as the Illini go in search of their first conference win of 2009. In other conference action, Iowa meets Penn State in University Park, Pa., for an 11 a.m. (ET) kickoff, while No. 25 Ohio State entertains Northwestern in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network at noon (ET) from Columbus, Ohio.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 9, 2009
Weekend Preview
Entering the third weekend of Big Ten play, three teams remain unbeaten in conference action, and two of those teams will meet in University Park, Pa., when conference frontrunner Penn State hosts Northwestern on Sunday. Indiana is tied with the Wildcats for second place in the conference standings at 1-0-0, and will travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., to face the Wolverines in a Saturday Big Ten showdown, slated for a 3:30 p.m. (ET) start. In other conference action, Michigan State and Wisconsin will be in the hunt for their first conference win as the two teams go head-to-head in Madison, Wis., on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. (ET), in a game to be televised live on the Big Ten Network.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 9, 2009
Big Ten Action This Weekend
Another weekend of Big Ten field hockey action begins today with a pair of conference matchups. First, No. 8 Michigan State looks to continue its current four-game winning streak when the Spartans travel to Indiana, which has won two straight matches, in a 3 p.m. ET contest. Also on Friday, No. 18 Northwestern, whose 11 wins is the most of any Big Ten school this season, visits Penn State, also winners of two straight, at 6 p.m. ET.
A pair of non-conference matches highlight Saturday's slate, with Michigan, owners of a three-game winning streak, facing Harvard at Noon ET and Indiana hosting Central Michigan at 1 p.m. ET.
Three matches round out the weekend action on Sunday, two of which are non-conference meetings. Michigan State welcomes in-state rival Central Michigan for a Noon ET contest, while Michigan faces New Hampshire at 1 p.m. ET in a neutral site matchup. In conference action, a pair of teams with 1-1 Big Ten marks face off when No. 20 Ohio State hosts Iowa at 1 p.m. ET.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 6, 2009
Weekly Rankings
Three Big Ten teams remained in the top 20 of the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll, which was released Tuesday, as voted on by its member coaches.
At 9-3 and atop the conference standings, Michigan State leads all Big Ten schools in the rankings, checking in at No. 8 this week. Northwestern remains in the polls with a 10-4 record at No. 18 and the 7-4 Ohio State Buckeyes were the last team voted into the top 20.
The final four Big Ten teams were also receiving votes this week as Indiana (7-4) led the rest of the conference pack. Michigan (5-7), Iowa (4-6) and Penn State (4-8) each received votes in this week's coaches poll.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 6, 2009
In the Polls
The Big ten boasts two teams in this week's NSCAA/adidas National Poll. Indiana is enjoying its sixth straight week of the 2009 season in the national rankings, checking in at No. 14, and Northwestern is up four spots to No. 21. Three conference squads are also receiving votes outside the top 25, including Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. COMPLETE POLL ...
Kick For Nick
The Indiana University men's soccer team is inviting fans to take part in the "Kick For Nick" program, which collects soccer balls for children in Iraq. Supporters are being asked to bring a new soccer ball for donation to Wednesday's match against Butler at 7 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium. Anyone donating a ball will receive free admission to the match.
"Kick for Nick" was founded in honor of Private Nicholas Madaras who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in September 2006. A former soccer player, Madaras was home on leave in July 2006 and had the idea to collect soccer balls to bring back to the children who lived near his post. Shortly after his death the program was founded and soccer balls from 45 of the 50 states have been collected and distributed overseas. For more information on the "Kick for Nick" program, visit www.KickForNick.org.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 6, 2009
In the Polls
Two Big Ten teams grace the NSCAA top 25 with Purdue leading all conference squads at No. 9 and Ohio State voting in at No. 25. The Boilermakers jumped three spots in the national rankings while climbing to the top of the conference leaderboard after going undefeated in a pair of Big Ten matchups last week. Indiana, Michigan State and Illinois are also receiving votes. COMPLETE POLL ...
CROSS COUNTRY
October 6, 2009
Runners of the Week
The conference office announced today Any Bayer and Wendi Robinson of Indiana and Bridget Franek of Penn State, Cross Country Runners of the Week. Bayer paced the Hoosier men to a team crown at the Paul Short Run last week with a career best 8k time of 23:42, besting his previous record by a whopping 1:10. On the women's side, Robinson turned in a 20:04, fourth-place finish in the 6,000-meter event to bring the women's weekly honor home to Bloomington, Ind., for the first time since Jessica Gall acoomplished the feat in 2004. She shares the laurel with Penn State's Franek, who earns her fifth Big Ten award after clocking a 16:52 5k at the high-powered Notre Dame Invitational last week. READ MORE ...
MEN'S SOCCER
October 5, 2009
Penn State's Yeisley Named 2009 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Finalist
Congratulations to Penn State's Jason Yeisley on being named one of the ten men's finalists for the 2009 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - classroom, character, community and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
The 20 finalists (from both men's and women's divisions) will be placed on the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award soccer ballot for a nationwide vote beginning today and concluding November 13. Fan balloting will be available on the award's official Web site, http://www.seniorCLASSaward.com, as well as through text messaging. Fans can text SOCCER to 74567 to vote for men's finalists and GOAL to 74567 to vote for women's finalists. These votes will be combined with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award.
Yeisley was also named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week. In a 5-0 pounding of Penn on Sept. 30, the team co-captain scored his fifth and team-high sixth goals of the season. The effort was the sixth multiple goal game of his career.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 5, 2009
Minnesota and Penn State Garner Weekly Honors
Minnesota's Katie Bethke was tabbed Offensive Player of the Week while Penn State's Alyssa Naeher and Christine Nairn were voted Defensive Player and Freshman of the Week, respectively, for games played through Sept. 28-Oct. 4, the conference office announced today. Bethke had a monster 12-point, five-goal week in leading the Gophers to a pair of wins over Wisconsin and South Dakota. Her four goals against the Coyotes tied a school record, and is currently the best mark in the Big Ten this season. Meanwhile on defense, Naeher collected her third weekly accolade of the 2009 season after nabbing five saves to earn the 2-1 victory over No. 15 Ohio State on Sunday. PSU's Nairn was also recognized with a weekly award after she notched her fourth goal of the year to break the Buckeyes' 307-minute shutout streak. Read More ...
MEN'S SOCCER
October 5, 2009
Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the fifth weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Indiana's Andy Adlard and Penn State's Matheus Braga earned a share of the Offensive Player of the Week award and Northwestern's Misha Rosenthal was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week for games played through Sept. 28-Oct. 4. Adlard notched his first career multiple-goal game, aiding the Hoosiers to a 3-0 rout over No. 13 Kentucky - their first win over a ranked opponent this season. His pair of goals upped his season total to three, good enough for second on team. Also demonstrating offensive prowess was Penn State' Braga. The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native celebrated more than just an Olympic bid last week, notching the game-winning goal to lead the Nittany Lions in their 1-0 defeat over Michigan State on Sunday. On the defensive end, Northwestern's Misha Rosenthal returned to the net after missing the previous two games due to injury, where he posted his school-record 25th career shutout to down the Buckeyes, 1-0, in the Wildcats' Big Ten opener. Read More ...
FIELD HOCKEY
October 5, 2009
Weekly Winners
The Big Ten Conference office announced the weekly field hockey award winners on Monday. This week, Michigan's Meredith Way was named Offensive Player of the Week after helping the Wolverines to a pair of wins last weekend, while Penn State's Ali Meves was named Defensive Player of the Week and Kelsey Amy was named Freshman of the Week in the Nittany Lions' upset of No. 18 Ohio State on Friday. It is the first weekly honor for all three student-athletes.
Complete information on this week's winners can be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
October 2, 2009
Weekend Preview
The second weekend of Big Ten women's soccer competition gets underway today with four conference teams in action. Opening the weekend slate will be No. 12 Purdue welcoming Illinois for a 4 p.m. (ET) contest. Later in the evening, Indiana plays host to No. 20 Michigan State at 7:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday's schedule highlights five conference matchups, beginning with a 1 p.m. (ET) showdown between the Boilermakers and Spartans in West Lafayette, Ind. Meanwhile, Penn State welcomes No. 15 Ohio State to Happy Valley in its Big Ten home opener, slated for 1 p.m. (ET). The Nittany Lions look to halt the red-hot Buckeyes, who will be competing for their seventh straight win. Sunday will also celebrate Pink Day at Jeffery Field to support breast cancer awareness.
A trio of conference matchups decorates Sunday's second flight of games, all scheduled for 2 p.m. (ET) start times. Illinois and Indiana look to garner their first Big Ten wins of the season as the two teams clash in Bloomington, Ind. Joining them in the hunt for its first win over a conference opponent is Iowa, who will entertain Wisconsin in a contest set to air live on the Big Ten Network. Minnesota will take a break from conference action as it hosts South Dakota at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The Golden Gophers surged to the top of the conference standings with a road win over Wisconsin on Thursday, improving their unblemished Big Ten ledger to 2-0-1. Wrapping up this weekend's conference matchups is Northwestern at Michigan, programmed for a 3:30 (ET) start.
MEN'S SOCCER
October 2, 2009
Weekend Preview
After one week of conference play, Indiana, Ohio State and Penn State claim perfect 1-0-0 records to lead all Big Ten teams.
Indiana kicks off the weekend schedule with a road matchup against No. 11 UC Santa Barbara, slated for Friday at 11 p.m. (ET). The contest marks the second consecutive top-15 opponent for the Hoosiers, who blanked No. 13 Kentucky, 3-0, on Tuesday.
On Sunday, the No. 25-ranked Northwestern Wildcats will journey to Columbus, Ohio to open its conference season against No. 15 Ohio State. The Buckeyes dropped a hard-fought decision to top-ranked Akron on Wednesday and will be in the hunt for its second win against a Big Ten opponent as it welcomes NU for its first conference matchup at home. In other conference action, Wisconsin goes on the road to face Michigan in Ann Arbor at 1 p.m. (ET) while Michigan State welcomes Penn State in a noon (ET) contest -- one that is scheduled to be televised live on the Big Ten Network.
FIELD HOCKEY
October 2, 2009
Weekend Schedule
The second weekend of Big Ten field hockey action begins today with three conference matchups. Beginning the afternoon will be No. 17 Northwestern hosting Michigan in a 3 p.m. CT matchup, Penn State welcomes No. 18 Ohio State in a 4 p.m. ET contest - one that will be televised in tape delay by the Big Ten Network at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday - and Iowa entertains Indiana in a 5 p.m. CT match.
Saturday will feature three non-conference, neutral-site matchups when Michigan faces Saint Louis at 1 p.m. CT in Evanston, Ill., No. 8 Michigan State plays Rutgers at 2 p.m. CT in Louisville, Ky., and Indiana meets California at 3 p.m. CT in Iowa City, Iowa.
Three non-conference games decorate Sunday's schedule with Iowa hosting California, Michigan State visits No. 16 Louisville and Northwestern welcomes Saint Louis. All Sunday contests are scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.
MEN'S SOCCER
September 29, 2009
Big Ten In The National Poll
The Big Ten features three teams in the latest NSCAA National Rankings, released Tuesday. Indiana jumped four spots from last week to lead all conference squads at No. 9. The Hoosiers opened the conference slate with a 1-0 victory over Wisconsin last Friday, and will look to face two highly-touted opponents this in week in No. 13 Kentucky and No. 11 UC Santa Barbara. Checking in at No. 15 are the Ohio State Buckeyes, who will go head-to-head against top-ranked Akron on Wednesday. On Sunday, the Scarlet and Gray will entertain Northwestern, which received a No. 25 ranking in the latest national poll. Michigan and Michigan State are also receiving votes.
Look here for a complete look at this week's NSCAA National Rankings. .
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 29, 2009
Big Ten In The National Poll
A trio of Big Ten squads is ranked among the top 20 teams in the country according to the latest NSCAA/adidas National Rankings. Purdue leads the pack at No. 12, moving up three spots from last week. The Boilermakers, who are currently tied for third in the conference standings, will look to climb up the Big Ten leaderboard as they host Illinois and Michigan State on Friday and Sunday, respectively. The Spartans returned to the top 25 this week, voting in at No. 20 in Tuesday's poll. Ohio State jumped six spots in the national rankings to No. 15 after opening the conference season with a 1-0 win over Michigan last Sunday. Indiana and Illinois are also receiving votes.
For a complete look at this week's NSCAA National Rankings, click here.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 29, 2009
Big Ten In The National Poll
Three Big Ten teams ranked among the nation's top 20 in this week's Kookaburra/Division I National Field Hockey Coaches Poll, which was released on Tuesday.
Remaining as the No. 8 team in the nation, the Michigan State Spartans are 7-3 through the first 10 games of the season, including a 1-0 conference mark after the opening weekend of Big Ten play. Northwestern (9-3) remained in the top 20 with a No. 17 ranking, and Ohio State (7-3) checked in at No. 18.
The remaining four Big Ten teams also received votes in the fifth poll of the season. Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Penn State all earned points following the first weekend of Big Ten action.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 29, 2009
Minnesota Sweeps Weekly Accolades
Minnesota swept the weekly cross country awards as Gopher All-Americans Hassan Mead and Megan Duwell were recognized as Men's and Women's Runners of the Week, the conference office announced today. Mead stamped his name in the records book, becoming the first Minnesota's men's cross country runner to capture medalist honors at the Roy Griak Invitational last Saturday. The defending Big Ten Champion completed the 8-kilometer course in 24:37 for first place. In the women's division, Duwell also had a record-setting day, winning the 6K title in 21:37 while becoming only the second Gopher to take Griak gold. Both runners bested their respective competition by over 12 seconds to capture individual titles.
Look here for the complete release.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 28, 2009
Wisconsin and Purdue Claim Weekly Awards
The conference office announced women's soccer weekly award winners on Monday for games played through Sept. 21-27. A trio of Badgers took home weekly laurels after leading Wisconsin to an unblemished 1-0-1 mark against No.15 Purdue and No. 19 Indiana in the opening weekend of conference play. Laurie Nosbusch was named Offensive Player of the Week after posting her first career hat trick in the Badgers' 3-2 victory over Indiana on Sunday. Making this feat possible was freshman Monica Lam-Feist, who assisted her teammate on the game-winning goal at the 88-minute mark. Sharing a piece of the weekly award on the defensive end is Wisconsin's Michele Dalton and Purdue's Jenny Bradfisch, who posted a combined nine saves in the goalkeeper showdown as the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
Read More ...
MEN'S SOCCER
September 28, 2009
Penn State and Ohio State Nab Weekly Honors
With the first weekend of conference play in the books, the conference office announced on Monday the fourth weekly men's soccer award winners for the 2009 season. Penn State's Corey Hertzog was tabbed Offensive Player of the Week and Ohio State's Matt Lampson was named Defensive Player of the Week for games played through Sept. 21-27. Hertzog collects his second career weekly honor after netting two goals in as many games last week, including his third game-winning goal of the season in the Nittany Lion's 2-0 victory over No. 22 Michigan. On the defensive end, Lampson posted his second and third-consecutive shutouts, securing a 1-0 win over Michigan State to give OSU its best start in program history as the Buckeyes remain unbeaten at 5-0-3.
Look here to read more on this week's honorees.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 28, 2009
Conference Announces Weekly Laurels
The conference office announced on Monday the fifth weekly field hockey award winners for the 2009 season. Following a two-win weekend, three Michigan State Spartans earned weekly awards with Floor Rijpma winning Offensive Player of the Week, Elissa Unger claiming Defensive Player of the Week, and Manouk Vernij sharing Freshman of the Week honors with Ohio State's Berta Queralt.
The complete release can be found by clicking here.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 24, 2009
Conference Play Begins
The Big Ten field hockey squads open conference play this weekend with four conference matchups highlighting this weekend's slate of games.
On Friday, Michigan hosts defending Big Ten Tournament Champion Iowa in a 3 p.m. ET match, one that will be televised in tape delay by the Big Ten Network at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Also at 3 p.m. ET, No. 8 Michigan State hosts No. 18 Northwestern, while No. 17 Indiana travels to Miami (OH) in non-conference action. Saturday features one matchup, Northwestern facing Maine in a neutral site match.
On Sunday, Ohio State entertains Indiana and Michigan hosts defending Big Ten Champion Penn State in conference action, while Michigan State welcomes Maine. All matches are scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.
BIG TEN SOCCER
September 22, 2009
Conference Call
The Big Ten opens conference play this weekend, with six men's and all 11 women's soccer teams in action.
The women's conference slate kicks off on Thursday when defending Big Ten champion Minnesota welcomes Iowa to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium for an 8 p.m. (ET) start. Big Ten play continues on Friday as No. 15 Purdue and No. 19 Indiana pack their bags for road matchups against Wisconsin and Northwestern, respectively.
On Sunday, Michigan State hosts Penn State while the No. 21-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are slated to take on rival Michigan in front of a home crowd at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. This weekend also marks Illinois' fourth annual SoccerFest as the Fighting Illini prepare to entertian Minnesota on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. (ET) for a match televised live on the Big Ten Network.
The men look to enter conference action with Wisconsin playing host to Big Ten preseason favorite Indiana at 8:30 p.m. (ET) on Friday evening. Then on Sunday, the No. 21-ranked Michigan State Spartans are set to clash against Ohio State while Penn State welcomes No. 22 Michigan to Happy Valley.
In non-conference action, the Northwestern men will sqaure off against Drake and SIU Edwardsville on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 22, 2009
Weekly Rankings
According to the latest edition of the NSCAA National Rankings, a trio of Big Ten squads were voted in this week's top 25, including two schools that jumped at least three spots in the national poll. Purdue (5-2-1) continues to lead all conference teams, checking in at No. 15. Indiana (8-1-0) leaped to No. 19 in this week's poll after wrapping up the non-conference slate with its best start in program history. After making its debut in the national rankings a week ago, the Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1-1) continue to gain ground, advancing four spots to No. 21. Michigan State (6-0-2) and Illinois (5-3-1) also continue to receive votes.
Look here for a complete view at this week's NSCAA National Poll.
MEN'S SOCCER
September 22, 2009
Weekly Rankings
Three Big Ten teams were ranked among the nation's top 25 according to the latest NSCAA/adidas National Poll released on Tuesday. Indiana (3-2-1) stands at No. 13, leading the conference charge for the third consecutive week. Michigan State (4-1-1) checks in at No. 21, while the Michigan Wolverines (6-1-0) return to the top 25 for the first time since the NSCAA announced preseason rankings in early August, voting in at No. 22. Meanwhile, Northwestern (3-1-2) fell out of the top 25, but continues to receive votes along with Ohio State (3-0-3).
The complete NSCAA National Rankings can be found here.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 22, 2009
Weekly Rankings
In the latest version of the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll, three Big Ten teams were voted into this week's top 20, and the other four ranked among the team's also receiving votes.
Once again, Michigan State (5-3) was the highest-ranked conference school in the poll, earning a No. 8 national ranking. For the second straight week, Indiana (5-2) checked in at No. 17, while Northwestern (8-2) also remained steady with a No. 18 national rank. Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State and Michigan all received votes in this week's poll.
The complete rankings can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 22, 2009
Runners of the Week
Congratulations to Indiana's Andrew Poore and Michigan State's Emily MacLeod, who were tabbed Big Ten Men's and Women's Cross Country Runners of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. Poore earns his first weekly award after pacing the Hoosiers to a team title at the Indiana Intercollegiate last Friday. The Hoosier sophomore finished just one second behind the race winner, completing the 8,000-meter course in 24:46. On the women's side, MacLeod finished first for the Spartans, as well as first overall in the collegiate women's 6k race with a time of 21:07 at the Spartan Invitational. Her time was also good enough for a new personal record, besting the field by a full 12 seconds. READ MORE ...
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 21, 2009
Players of the Week Announced
For the second-consecutive week a freshman claimed at least a share in two different weekly laurels. This week, Indiana's Orianica Velasquez Herrera collected co-Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week honors after leading the Hoosiers to their best start in school history (8-1-0) with a pair of wins over Butler and Green Bay. The Bogota, Columbia native posted three goals over the two contests to garner her first-ever weekly awards. Similarly, Iowa's Keli McLaughlin also earned her first Player of the Week award after blasting three goals into the net to propel the Hawkeyes to victory over two in-state foes last week. Ohio State's Lauren Robertson was recognized with the weekly defensive accolade for the second time this season after setting the Ohio State career shutout record with 23 in the Buckeyes' 2-0 win over North Texas on Friday. READ MORE ...
MEN'S SOCCER
September 21, 2009
Wisconsin Seniors Nab Weekly Awards
Wisconsin swept the weekly awards for men's soccer as seniors Brandon Miller and Alex Horwath were tabbed Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for games played through Sept. 14-20, the conference office announced Monday. The award is the first of its kind for Miller who scored twice, including one-game winning goal, over the weekend while playing all 200 minutes for the Badgers. Meanwhile, Horwath landed the weekly honor on the defensive end after notching his 16th-career shutout in the Badger's 1-0 win over Oakland on Friday. The veteran goalkeeper then capped the weekend with a season-high eight stops to preserve the 1-1 tie with ninth-ranked UC Santa Barbara on Sunday. For their efforts, both honorees were named to the Milwaukee Panther Invitational all-tournament team. READ MORE...
FIELD HOCKEY
September 21, 2009
Big Ten Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the fourth weekly field hockey award winners for the 2009 season. Northwestern's Courtney Plaster-Strange won Offensive Player of the Week, Ohio State's Lindsay Quintiliani won Defensive Player of the Week honors and Ohio State's Berta Queralt won Freshman of the Week. Click here for the full release.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 16, 2009
Buckeyes Go Pink This Weekend
Ohio State will be promoting Breast Cancer Awareness this weekend as it hosts Vermont and Central Michigan Friday and Sunday.
Against Central Michigan on Sunday, the Buckeyes will be wearing pink socks and passing out pink and yellow ribbons to all fans. Central Michigan, led by former Buckeye Cristy Freese (1976-79), will be joining in support of the cause by wearing pink wristbands.
Harriet Reynolds, head coach of the Ohio State field hockey team from 1973-86, will be honored at halftime after suffering from the disease for nearly three years, passing away in 1987.
The Buckeyes will be collecting donations for Breast Cancer Awareness that will be given to the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 15, 2009
2009 USTFCCCA Cross Country Preseason Top 30 Announced
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: The Big Ten Conference was well represented in the preseason U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Men's Cross Country Top 30 Preseason Coaches' Poll, with five programs receiving votes, including one in the top five. The Big Ten, the Pac-10 and the Big East lead all conferences with four teams apiece in the national poll.
Pacing all Big Ten schools is Wisconsin, leading the pack at No. 4. The Badgers return four of their top seven runners from a team that finished fourth in the last year's NCAA Championships and will be looking for their eighth straight Great Lakes Region title. Also in the top 30 are Minnesota, who voted in at No. 17, while Michigan and Penn State checked in at No. 22 and No. 28, respectively. Ohio State is also receiving votes.
The Oregon Ducks are perched at the top of the 2009 preseason Top 30. The reigning Division I Men's Cross Country National Champions received nine first-place votes and earned 357 total points in the national poll. Checking in at the second- and third-place positions are Oklahoma State and Stanford, with 337 and 334 points, respectively. NAU rounds out the top-five teams with 302 total points.
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: The Big Ten boasts six teams in the preseason U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Women's Cross Country Top 30 Preseason Coaches' Poll, including two top-10 teams. The six conference squads ranked are tied for the most among any conference in the nation. Minnesota and Illinois lead the conference contingent, checking in at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. Following close behind in the initial poll are Wisconsin (No. 15), Michigan State (No. 17) and Michigan (No. 19). Rounding out the conference squads is Penn State, voting in at No. 26. Indiana and Iowa also received votes.
Defending national champion Washington is the preseason top team receiving all 12 first-place votes while earning 360 total points. Rounding out the top five are Oregon, Florida State, West Virginia and Villanova.
To view the complete 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country Preseason polls, click here.
MEN'S SOCCER
September 15, 2009
Among the Nation's Best
Two Big Ten men's soccer student-athletes, Northwestern's Matt Eliason and Michigan's Mauro Fuzetti, were recognized for their outstanding performances by being named to TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week. Additionally, Fuzetti was also named to College Soccer News' National Team of the Week.
Eliason was named the MVP of the adidas/Magnuson Inn and Suites Invitational hosted by Northern Illinois University after he scored two goals in each of Northwestern's two wins. Each of the victories came against teams that appeared in last year's NCAA tournament. The junior forward leads the Big Ten with seven goals in just four games so far this season and his 24 career scores in just over two seasons are only six shy of the Northwestern all-time record.
Fuzetti, the Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Michigan Invitational, scored two goals against Wright State on Friday and followed that performance with another goal in U-M's 3-0 win against Lipscomb on Sunday for a six-point weekend. Fuzetti, who was named to the Michigan Invitational All-Tournament team, also set U-M's single-game record for shots in a game with 11 shots against Wright State.
In the Polls
A trio of men's soccer teams represents the Big Ten Conference in the latest NSCAA National Rankings, released Tuesday. Preseason conference favorite Indiana (2-1-1) leads the pack, moving up four spots from last week to No. 8. Michigan State (3-0-1) sits at its highest ranking yet in 2009, jumping two spots and checking in at No. 18. The Northwestern Wildcats (2-1-1) fall three spots from last week, rounding out the poll at No. 25. Additionally, two Big Ten teams are receiving votes in Michigan and Penn State. The Wolverines and Nittany Lions currently share 4-1-0 records in games played to date. Look here for a complete look at this week's poll. .
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 15, 2009
In the Polls
Three Big Ten women's soccer teams are ranked in the latest NSCAA National Rankings. Purdue (5-2-0) leads all conference squads, dropping four spots from last week to vote in at No. 11, while Indiana (6-1-0) is up three spots to No. 22. Ohio State (5-1-1) surges into top 25 for the first time this season, checking in at No. 25 to round out the national poll. After leading the conference in the NSCAA standings at No. 11 just two weeks ago, Illinois (3-3-1) drops out of the top 25 for the first time this season. The Fighting Illini are among the trio of Big Ten schools receiving votes, accompanied by Minnesota (4-2-1) and Michigan State (4-0-1). Looke here for the complete poll.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 15, 2009
Weekly Rankings
Four Big Ten field hockey squads were ranked among the nation's top 20, according to Tuesday's release of the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll. Michigan State once again led the conference charge as the Spartans earned a No. 8 ranking behind their 4-2 start to the 2009 season. Indiana (4-2) moved up to No. 17 in this week's rankings while Ohio State (2-3) checked in at No. 20. Penn State, Iowa and Michigan also received votes in this week's rankings.
New to the rankings this week is Northwestern, who check in at No. 18. The Wildcats are off to a 6-2 start to the season, their best eight-game start since the 1995 season. Northwestern won a pair of matches last weekend to move into the top 20 this week.
This week's complete top 20 can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 15, 2009
Big Ten Cross Country Runners of the Week
The conference office announced on Tuesday the second weekly cross country award winners for the 2009 season. Indiana freshman Zachary Mayhew was tabbed men's Runner of the Week after taking the tape for the Hoosier men in the 8-kilometer race with a time of 25:31.96 at the Indiana Open last week. The Terre Haute, Ind., native becomes the first Hoosier to be honored with the award since Jordan Kyle took home the accolade in October of 2006. On the women's side, seniors Megan Duwell (Minnesota) and Cheryl Spring (Penn State) shared the weekly laurel after clocking identical times of 21:13 in their respective 6-kilometer events to lead their squads to team titles over the weekend. Full Release ...
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 14, 2009
Big Ten Women's Soccer Players of the Week
It was a weekend of firsts for Iowa's Alyscha Mottershead who collected her first pair of weekly laurels while also netting her first collegiate career goal over the weekend. The Hawkeye forward garnered both Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week honors after recording four goals and nine points to lead Iowa to victory over Loyola-Chicago and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Penn State's Alyssa Naeher combined for a shutout and limited No. 8-ranked Wake Forest's potent offense to just one goal to earn Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. Full Release ...
MEN'S SOCCER
September 14, 2009
Big Ten Men's Soccer Players of the Week
Northwestern's Matt Eliason was tabbed Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for games played from Sept. 7-13, the conference office announced today. This marks the second weekly laurel for Eliason, who was also named MVP of the adidas/Magnuson Inn and Suites Invitational and Top Drawer Soccer's National Player of the Week. Michigan State's Avery Steinlage and Michigan's Chris Blais shared the honor for Defensive Player of the Week after leading their teams to sweeps over Lipscomb and Wright State over the weekend. Full Release...
FIELD HOCKEY
September 14, 2009
Big Ten Field Hockey Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the third weekly field hockey award winners for the 2009 season. Winning Offensive Player of the Week was Northwestern's Chelsea Armstrong, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors was Lindsay Quintiliani from Ohio State, and winning Freshman of the Week was Michigan State's Manouk Vernij.
The complete release can be found by clicking here.
MEN'S SOCCER
September 8, 2009
Three Conference Squads Rank Among Top 25 in National Poll
The Indiana Hoosiers lead all Big Ten teams in the top 25 of the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Rankings released on Tuesday. The Cream and Crimson checked in at No. 12 after posting a 0-1-1 record in the opening weekend of regular season play, in which the Hoosiers faced off against two top five programs in St. Johns and Wake Forest. Michigan State sits at No. 20 while Northwestern voted in at No. 22. Additionally, the Michigan Wolverines are receiving votes.
A complete list of the rankings can be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 8, 2009
Purdue Leaps into Top 10 in NSCAA Rankings
Five Big Ten women's soccer teams ranked among the nation's top 25 according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll as announced on Tuesday. Purdue jumped into this week's top 10, moving up seven spots from last week when it made its debut in the national rankings at No. 14. The Boilermakers extended its winning streak to 5-0-0 over the weekend, opening the 2009 slate with the program's best start in a decade.
Illinois secured their spot at No. 11 after dropping a hard-fought 2-1 decision to then-ranked No. 9 UCLA on Friday. Minnesota and Penn State each fell in the national rankings, checking in at No. 23, and No. 24, respectively, while Indiana debuted in the poll at No. 25 on the heels of an impressive double overtime victory over sixth-ranked Florida. Michigan State and Ohio State are also receiving votes.
A complete list of the rankings can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 8, 2009
Runners of the Week Announced
The Conference office announced on Tuesday the first Runner of the Week awards for the 2009 season. Michigan State's Alex Russeau garners his first weekly accolade after capturing an individual title at the Jeff Drenth Memorial. The junior transfer clocked a 15:34.8 in the 5,000-meter event, finishing six seconds ahead of the field. On the women's side, three schools brought home a share of the weekly laurel as Iowa's Betsy Flood, Michigan's Danielle Tauro and Penn State's Caitlin Lane each posted first-place finishes in their respective events. Look here for complete details on this week's honorees.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 8, 2009
Week 2 Rankings
Indiana joined five other Big Ten field hockey teams in the top 20 of the newest Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, giving the Big Ten six ranked teams in the rankings this week. The six conference squads ranked are tied for the most among any conference in the nation.
Off to a 3-1 start, the Hoosiers checked in at No. 18 in the second poll of the season. Michigan State leads the Big Ten charge in the rankings, moving up to No. 7. Penn State was voted in at No. 13, while Iowa, Indiana, Ohio State and Michigan settled into the last four spots of the 20-team poll. Northwestern finished a few points out of the top 20 and is receiving votes.
Additionally, the most up to date Big Ten statistics are available here and standings here.
(Preseason rank in parenthesis)
1. Maryland 5-0 (1)
2. North Carolina 3-0 (4)
3. Wake Forest 3-1 (2)
4. Princeton 2-0 (7)
5. Connecticut 4-0 (5)
6. Virginia 3-0 (6)
7. Michigan State 3-1 (8)
8. Syracuse 3-1 (3)
9. Old Dominion 2-1 (16)
10. Boston College 4-0 (14)
11. Duke 3-1 (10)
12. James Madison 2-1 (12)
13. Penn State 1-3 (11)
14. Drexel 3-0 (RV)
15. Massachusetts 2-1 (17)
16. Louisville 2-2 (13)
17. Iowa 1-3 (9)
18. Indiana 3-1 (RV)
19. Ohio State 1-3 (18)
20. Michigan 1-3 (19)
MEN'S SOCCER
September 8, 2009
MSU Goalkeeper Named to TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week
Avery Steinlage was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week after setting a new NCAA consecutive shutout minutes record in Michigan State's win over then-No. 10 ranked UIC on Sunday. The junior goalkeeper has not allowed a goal in 998:43 of action, dating back to Oct. 15, 2008.
FIELD HOCKEY
September 7, 2009
Players of the Week
The conference office announced on Monday the second weekly field hockey award winners for the 2009 season. Winning Offensive Player of the Week was Michigan State senior Floor Rijpma after scoring four goals during the weekend, while Mutsa Mutembwa gave the Indiana Hoosiers their second straight Defensive Player of the Week award winner. Iowa freshman Sarah Drake had three goals during the weekend in winning Freshman of the Week accolades.
The full release can be found here.
MEN'S SOCCER
September 7, 2009
Players of the Week
A pair of seniors garnered the first weekly laurels of the 2009 campaign in Penn State's Jason Yeisley and Wisconsin's Alex Horwath who were named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. After missing the 2008 season due to injury, Yeisley returned to the field to lead the Nittany Lions to a 2-1 record in the opening week of play, tallying seven points, three goals and one assist. In goal, Alex Horwath posted a pair of shutouts to move into sole possession of fifth place on the Badgers' all-time shutouts list with 15 for his career.
The full release can be found here.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 7, 2009
Players of the Week
Devon Beach (Indiana) and Jackie Carron (Michigan) were named co-Offensive Players of the Week and Lauren Robertson (Ohio State) was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week for games played from Aug. 31-Sept. 6, the conference office announced today. Illinois' Niki Read and Minnesota's Cat Parkhill shared freshman of the week honors.
The full release can be found here.
CROSS COUNTRY
September 2, 2009
Big Ten Cross Country Set to Open 2009 Season
Fifteen Big Ten cross country teams will open the 2009 season this weekend. Seven men's squads and eight women's will take to the course to begin the fall campaign.
On Friday, four men's teams will launch the season from their home courses as Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Purdue prepare to host their opening invitationals. On the road, the Penn State harriers will compete in the Lock Haven Invitational, while Michigan State travels to Mount Pleasant, Mich., for the Drenth Memorial hosted by Central Michigan. On Saturday, Minnesota will open its season at the St. Olaf Opener in Northfield, Minn.
On the women's side, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Purdue take to the course on Friday at various sites, while Minnesota and Ohio State will see their first action on Saturday.
Look here for more info.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
September 1, 2009
Four Conference Teams Rank in Top 20 in National Poll
A complete list of the rankings can be found here. .
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