The dominos are falling just like they were stacked at the women's Big Ten tournament at the Purdue Soccer Complex. After yesterday's first round, the top four seeds still remain while the lower ranking opponents have been sent packing. Today's clashes represent a day full of grudge matches.

No. 1 Penn State v. No. 4 Ohio State

This game presents what might be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament.

The Buckeyes were the only Big Ten team to defeat Penn State this season (or last season for that matter). The teams' first meeting was filled with oddities, including two power failures and red cards for Penn State coach Paula Wilkins and goalkeeper Emily Oleksiuk after time expired. Both of yesterday's games were played on mud-slicked fields that encouraged physical play, and with afternoon downpours visiting West Lafayette, Ind., more of the same can be expected today.

"We're really excited to be playing tomorrow," Ohio State coach Lori Walker said.

Before leaving for Purdue, Wilkins said that redemption for her squad would be nice provided the Nittany Lions could get past Northwestern, which they did in timely fashion.

Things did not go as smoothly for Ohio State yesterday as the team needed two minutes of overtime before forward Sarah Lanham put them past the host team Purdue.

"It came down to the wire," Walker said. "We didn't play well in the first half but we dominated most of the second half until Purdue got their goal."

No. 2 Michigan v. No. 3 Illinois

This presents another exciting rematch of the regular season. The fighting Illini handed Michigan one of their two losses this season in an early season tilt that extended into overtime.

Both teams are peaking heading into tomorrow's action as shown by their play yesterday.

The Wolverines upheld the high standard of defense that brought them this far, shutting out No. 7 Michigan State, 2-0. Leading the attack was forward Amy Sullivant, who had a goal and an assist.

Despite torrential downpours, the Illini attack was not slowed in their 4-1 stomping of No. 6 Iowa. Midfielder Tara Hurless had a breakout game, racking up a hat trick, while her teammates out-shot the Hawkeyes 24-8.

The conflicted styles of a high powered offense v. a bulwark defense should provide for a fast paced game.