HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University women's soccer team will get its biggest test of the season Friday when the Norse travel to take on Wisconsin-Parkside in a Great Lakes Valley Conference and top 25 showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
The Norse are ranked No. 11 in this week's NCAA Division II national poll, while the Rangers come in at No. 17.
NKU (3-0) is fresh off a decisive 5-1 victory over Findlay on Sunday that helped the team gain momentum entering the opening weekend of conference play. The Norse have won their last two matches by a combined score of 10-2.
The Norse will close out the weekend at Lewis on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
A WORD ABOUT UW-PARKSIDE: The Norse hold a commanding 9-3-2 edge in the all-time series against the Rangers, though the teams have gone back-and-forth in their last four meetings, with each team taking two victories. Last year, the Norse pulled out a 3-2 win on a Jayme Light penalty kick in the 84th minute. The Rangers are 4-0 on the season after taking a 4-0 win over Upper Iowa on Sunday. All four of their games on the season have come against Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference teams.
A WORD ABOUT LEWIS: The Norse are 8-2-1 all-time against the Flyers, claiming a 3-0 victory in the teams' last meeting. The Flyers are 2-1 on the season, with wins over regional foes Northwood and Ferris State. Courtney Kettel leads the offensive attack with two goals.
FRESH FACES LEAD THE WAY: The Norse are led, statistically speaking, at least, from a pair of freshmen.
Amanda Mason's three goals and three assists lead the team with nine points, while
Kelly Sullivan comes right behind with eight points off two goals and four assists.
BLOCKING SHOTS IS BLOCKING SHOTS: Senior goalkeeper
Angela Healy, fresh off an All-American season on the basketball court, is showing that she can block shots both in the gym and on the pitch. Healy has made four saves on the season and accounted for all three wins so far in net.
OPENING UP RIGHT: Since the program's inception in 1997, the Norse are 9-2 in their opening conference game of the season. One came in the team's inaugural season, a 2-0 loss to Southern Indiana, and in 2006, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Indianapolis.
