There really is only way to cap off a regular season Big Ten title -- winning the Big Ten tournament.

That is precisely what the No. 11 Penn State Women's soccer team (12-4-3, 8-1-1 Big Ten) will be trying to accomplish at home this weekend on Jeffrey Field. The challenge begins today with an opening round contest against Northwestern.

The Wildcats (8-9-2, 4-5-1 Big Ten), come into Happy Valley as the No. 8 seed in the tournament and will play a Penn State team that has garnered the top seed for nine straight seasons.

Northwestern was the victim on Oct. 22, as the Lions defeated them 2-1, to clinch another Big Ten title.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they will have to return to Jeffrey Field after just recently watching Penn State players celebrate there.

While it seemed the Lions were destined to continue their streak of Big Ten regular season titles, the Wildcats were playing without their leading goal scorer Kelsey Hans. Having her back on the field would pose a much tougher challenge for the Lions, head coach Paula Wilkins said.

"They played really well, they're a very quality opponent," Wilkins said. "They were missing Kelsey Hans, who is one of their best players and a good goal scorer. It's going to make it more difficult for us and we're going to have to be a bit desperate in the goal, be better defensively, and get pressure on the ball."

With the last meeting between the two teams being a tough battle, fans watching the game today will see an even higher degree of intensity from both teams. The Wildcats will be looking for revenge, and to fix some of the mistakes they made last time.

"They saw that they had some chances against us," Wilkins said. "They're a well-organized team, enthusiastic, and athletic. They'll be a difficult game and we'll have to bring everything we have."

Leaving it all out on the field, especially at home, has rarely been a problem for the Lions. However, that mindset will be necessary against Northwestern as the Lions are coming off a letdown against Navy last weekend, losing 1-0.

"I'm hoping we come out with some fire," Wilkins said. "The loss [against Navy] is about a week away but still in the back of our minds to be able to refocus. The Big Ten tournament is a little different because you know if you lose you go home and it's a completely different season now. We have to focus on it like that."

Even though the Lions will not be going anywhere if they do lose today, a victory against Northwestern is needed to advance in the tournament and finish the season off on a good note.

While having the No. 1 seed has its perks, it's really not that advantageous. The conference is very tough, with anyone capable of beating anyone on a given day.

"The Big Ten conference is very strong from top to bottom," Wilkins said. "Every team is good, and on any day in soccer something can happen. It's nice to be home, that's probably the biggest thing that we didn't have to travel today but every game is going to be competitive in the Big Ten."

Even with that notion, it's hard to deny the fact that the Lions will have somewhat of an upper hand playing on Jeffrey field today, and however far they make it into the tournament.

"Being able to sleep at home, knowing your home field, having your crowd behind you, but the idea that we can end Northwestern's season tomorrow makes everyone a little bit more desperate," Wilkins said.