Thirteen games into Penn State's 2002 field hockey season and Michele Rigby still didn't have a goal to show for it.

Until this past Saturday.

Playing in the 14th game of the season against Ohio State, in her 13th start of the season, sophomore right forward Rigby got her first goal of the season and the first goal of her career. Not to be overshadowed by leading scorer Heather Conroy, who tallied her 15th goal of the season, Rigby netted her second career goal in the middle of the second half to lead No. 6 Penn State (12-2, 3-1 Big Ten) to a 3-1 win over the Buckeyes.

"It's been kind of frustrating not having any goals being a forward," Rigby said.

But Rigby, who has also assisted on five goals this season, has not allowed that frustration to stop her from playing with just as much determination and drive.

"She definitely had a good game," midfielder Jill Martz said. "She did a good job of getting those rebounds and being persistent."

The key to any good player is not necessarily scoring goals. Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett has been pleased with Rigby's ability to set up scoring opportunities inside the circle and her ability to finish plays on penalty corners.

"I think, we've started to see in the past couple of weeks more consistency," Morett said. "She can put the ball in scoring position. I like that she's been putting some variety into her game."

Rigby's improvement has shown through as the season has progressed. Sophomore Mary Schaefer started at right forward the first game of the season, against Lafayette. Rigby earned the opportunity to shine in the Lion's 2-1 win over University of Connecticut, earning the start and twice setting up Conroy on penalty corners. Rigby has been pleased with her improvement and says she just tries to get better overall every day.

"Mary and Michele are very interchangable," Morett said. "I'd like to see them both step up their defensive skills when we don't have the ball, even though they're in an attacking position."

Rigby is aware of her role on the right side and knows that just because she plays an attacking position she won't always get the goals.

"It [the Ohio State win] was a total team effort," Rigby said. "I think I got the ball up the side a couple times and I was able to utilize my speed really well."