Making one official save for a goalie doesn't sound like a big game. It was however, for Penn State keeper Kate Milstead.

Milstead, making her first start of her collegiate career for the Nittany Lions last Sunday, made a single save in the team's 1-0 win against Bucknell.

Redshirting as a freshman last year, Milstead was able to learn from All-American Erin McLeod.

McLeod not only blocked shots, but also blocked Milstead's path to starting early in her career. That meant she would have to wait.

Even while watching from the sidelines as the team won a Big Ten championship in 2005, Milstead regards her time watching as beneficial for improving her game as a keeper.

"It was an awesome experience playing behind Erin, she is one of the most talented keepers I know and she has a great attitude that she brings to the table everyday," Milstead said.

"I learned so much from her, like making a difference in practice and on the field too. [Assistant coach Tim Rosenfeld] has always encouraged me to talk to her, give her an email, shoot her a phone call. She's been awesome. It was great to finally step on the field, not fill her shoes, but at least be out there."

Head coach Paula Wilkins also agrees that Milstead's year under McLeod's guidance was very important.

"Erin is a great example for any goal keeper," Wilkins said.

"I think [Katie's] experience with her was very invaluable."

It took Milstead until the sixth game of the season to accomplish her goal of getting on the field, as freshman Alyssa Naeher got the call to start in the previous give contests.

When Milstead found out Saturday that she was going to begin the game in front of the net for the Lions, she could not have been excited about the opportunity to start the game.

"It was awesome. I was so pumped," Milstead said. "[I've] been working hard in practice, finally got a chance to get out there and show what I can do."

In the game, the Lions dominated Bucknell defensively, only allowing the visiting team to take a few shots against Milstead.

Even though she didn't see a lot of action in the game, Milstead was still thrilled to be back there as her teammates kept the ball at the other end of the field.

"As a keeper you want to get as many balls as you can, make as many big saves as you can," Milstead said. "It was awesome to get out there and obviously it's much better for the team if I'm sitting back there bored."

The shutout, which occurred after the team's 2-1 loss to West Virginia, provided a huge confidence boost for Milstead as well as her surrounding teammates going this season.

"She did a good job," Wilkins said. "She communicated well with the back. Defensively we didn't give up anything. It helps Kate's confidence a lot."

Even with the knowledge of what she is capable of doing in a game situation, Milstead won't be easing up on the work ethic that has got her this far.

"I'm going to keep working hard, prove myself everyday in practice," Milstead said. "It's out of my hands, I'm going to do everything in my control."

While the team has two very talented keepers in Milstead and Naeher, either of them could be seeing action this weekend as the team travels to Harvard.

Whether or not Milstead will make her second career start, depends on practice during this week, Wilkins said.