Northwestern enters the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday as an underdog, but the team holds an important weapon in its arsenal: its ability to improve as the game progresses.
No. 20 NU (12-8, 1-5 Big Ten) has outscored its opponents by a staggering 13-goal margin in the second half this season, and superb play late in games has become one of the Wildcats’ defining characteristics.
“People say we’re a second-half team,” redshirt senior back Megan Jamieson said. “It might take a little longer for us to gel, but sometimes we just need to perform.”
On Sept. 18, NU rallied to beat then-No. 18 Virginia 5-3 with four second-half goals. The victory propelled the Cats into the national rankings and they have been there ever since.
Assistant coach Ali Johnstone noted that the “girls seem to get an extra step” in the second half, which she said was an indication that the team’s confidence has grown.
The Cats’ halftime routine is straightforward. Players from each line – forwards, backs and midfielders – discuss areas in which they can improve. Jamieson noted the importance of this communication in ensuring “everyone is on the same page.”
Coach Tracey Fuchs then typically lists three to five adjustments, which senior forward Jaimie Orrico said is the reason for the stark improvement between halves.
“She’ll give a bullet point here, a bullet point there,” Orrico said. “They’re usually small adjustments that help us fine-tune everything.”
“Tracey is extremely knowledgeable,” Johnstone added. “We know what the other team is running, as well as their personnel and their system.”
NU’s late outbursts have not always been conventional. After a brief lightning delay in a Sept. 29 game at Michigan State, the Cats were electric, scoring three goals in fewer than 15 minutes for their only conference win.
The Cats’ ability to finish has been impressive, but their comparatively poor play in the first half has haunted them at times. NU went 0-4 in Big Ten play this season when surrendering the first goal. After opponents gain an early lead, they have been able to clamp down on the Cats’ potent offense.
NU looks to reverse the trend against one of the four conference teams it fell behind early to, as it faces No. 9 Penn State in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions will have the advantage of playing on their home field, as they look to extend their winning streak to three games.
In a showdown of elite players, NU junior midfielder Chelsea Armstrong will look to outpace Penn State junior forward Kelsey Amy. Armstrong, who has failed to tally a point in her last three games, scored twice in the Cats’ previous matchup against the Nittany Lions. NU needs her to return to form in what should be a highly competitive game.
When the Cats last visited Happy Valley on Oct. 1, freshman Taylor Herold connected in overtime to give Penn State a 4-3 win. Following the game, NU players discussed how they considered the game a moral victory against a quality team.
This time, a loss will almost certainly eliminate the Cats from NCAA Tournament contention. NU has fizzled late in the season in each of the past two years, and a loss to Penn State would mark another letdown for a program looking to become a national powerhouse.
The Cats have flourished in late-game situations, but they will need a strong effort in both halves to keep their season alive.
