If Emeril were prepping the Penn State field hockey team for this weekend, he might have this to say: "Let's kick it up a notch!"

The Nittany Lions will finally open up Big Ten competition as they play host to the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend, after dominating nine of their 10 non-conference games.

The biggest difference the Lions will have to overcome is the intensity and wide range of skills that are brought to the table from the Big Ten compared to the non-conference games. The newfound aggressiveness is something that might have been slightly rivaled by Connecticut earlier in the year, but has definitely lacked as the Lions steam rolled their smaller opponents.

"There's definitely more electricity in the air before the game begins [in conference games]," coach Char Morett said.

The Lions (9-1), hot off a thumping of West Chester, have just finished their first full week of rest since the season began, allowing time to relax after having three games a week.

"[We were] getting focused on getting into Big Ten schedule," senior captain Natalie Berrena said. "It's gonna be big. That's one thing about our conference; every game is a really good game."

Penn State was able to look over tapes and hone up on minute but vital skills, such as penalty corners and the ever-progressing passing game.

"I feel pretty good on passing. We worked more on individual defense and maintaining position of the ball in the circle," Morett said. "On the corners, we've gotten more efficient."

The Lions look to continue their nine-game winning streak, the longest since 2000, against the Wildcats (6-2) who had no problem dominating the smaller teams but struggled against No. 14 Louisville last week.

"We are approaching this game like any team," Northwestern coach Kelly McCollum said. "Our offense has been scoring as many goals [as Penn State]. It's going to be a great game."

Besides Penn State's iron curtain defense that has allowed just two goals in the last eight games, the Lions are able to rely on their depth to help aid in getting the win. Reserves such as junior Chase Bacon and sophomore Mallory Weisen are just as good as the starters, which prove to give their opponents much grief.

"I love the versatility from the players," Morett said. "The bench has kept up with intensity and skill, and they are ready to come in to give others a rest, if not pick up the game."

The Wildcats, led by junior Meghan Small, look to come out on the better side of the catfight and rebound from last year's losing season.

"[Northwestern is] a very solid team with good goaltending," Morett said. "They are physical in a good way and are gonna be tough."

This weekend's match is the first Big Ten game for both teams, and both have a lot riding on it. Penn State has its winning streak, and Northwestern needs the win to hope to make any kind of impact on the Big Ten this season.

"You want to set the stage and be the aggressor," Morett said. "One loss won't knock you out of the standing. It's all about who can finish on game day."

Sweeping the honors

Senior Sara Cahill and Berrena won Big Ten Defensive Player and co-Offensive Players of the Week, respectively.

"It is a tribute to these girls," Morett said. "They will be the first to say that they couldn't be where they are at without their teammates, though."