NCAA match: W. Soccer vs. 'Nova

It's on.

For the second time in the 10-year history of the program, the Penn women's soccer team will head to the NCAA College Cup -- college soccer's version of the NCAA Tournament.

The Quakers, who at 13-1-3 have the best record in Penn history and who won a share of their first Ivy League title with a 3-1 victory over Harvard last weekend, will face Villanova tonight at 8 p.m. in State College, Pa.

'Nova, ranked No. 8 in the Mid-Atlantic region, closed out the season with a 5-3-2 record in its last 10 games, while the Quakers had an 8-0-2 mark in their last 10 and are currently No. 5 in the region, with a No. 25 ranking nationally.

All of this would seem to make the Wildcats out to be kittens. On the contrary, they pose a tough challenge for the Quakers. Villanova (12-5-3), making its first-ever NCAA appearance, did well in a challenging schedule that included top-20 programs Notre Dame and UConn.

"Villanova is a team very much like us," Penn coach Darren Ambrose said. "They played a very tough schedule and allowed very few goals."

If the Quakers are able to scratch by the 'Cats, they will face the winner of the Penn State-Bucknell game. The Nittany Lions (18-3-1), champions of the Big 10, are the host of this subregional and are ranked No. 6 in the nation. They thumped the Bison (12-6) earlier this season, 9-2.

"Penn State's going to win that game," Ambrose said. "But our strategy all year has been never to overlook an opponent, so we can't think about them yet. If we beat Villanova, I'll start thinking about Penn State at 11 p.m. that night."

The Red and Blue will be taking a lot of accolades to Happy Valley with them, as yesterday, the Quakers received five All-Ivy honors. Katy Cross was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and a unanimous first team All-Ivy selection for her 12-goal, 10-assist season.

In addition to Cross, Penn defender Jen Valentine was named to the first team. Fellow defender Heather Issing and freshman frontliner Rachelle Snyder were named to the second team, and netminder Vanessa Scotto received an honorable mention.

Despite the emotions of last week's Harvard game and all of these accolades, Ambrose is not worried about a Quakers' letdown.

"We had [our letdown] in practice on Monday and Tuesday," Ambrose said. "I figured it would happen, so we had those practices a little laid back so we could be sharp for the game on Friday."

One thing that could be a slight concern for the Quakers is the absence of Jen Valentine for her second straight game. Valentine, who has been sidelined with a quad pull, is doubtful for the Villanova contest. The Red and Blue will look to Amy Solomon and Julie Shaner to move into her spot as they did in the Harvard contest.

If the Quakers defeat the Wildcats, they play at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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