As the 2006 season for the Penn State women's soccer team is coming closer and closer to the end, one player's own season seems to be just beginning.

That player is backup goalkeeper Kate Milstead.

Coming into the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Friday against Niagara, Milstead had only played in one game for the Lions all season. Playing behind freshman goalie Alyssa Naeher for almost the entire year, Milstead's only appearance coming into this weekend was a start in early September against Bucknell.

Now over two months later, Milstead has found her way back onto the field on Friday in the second half because of an injury sustained by Naeher.

Having to wait until the NCAA tournament to get a second opportunity to play in front of the net came as a surprise to Milstead, who redshirted last year for the Lions.

"It was kind of a shock coming in [on Friday]," Milstead said. "It was a great feeling to get out there, obviously nerves, but as time goes on, the nerves go away and you just want to get out there and play your best. It was an awesome feeling."

Even though her opportunities to have some playing time were separated by a large amount of time, there didn't seem to be any rust on Milstead's ability to defend the Penn State goal.

"I've been training pretty hard in practice and working to stay ready and as sharp as I can," Milstead said. "I didn't feel that rusty coming out, just mostly nerves."

As the nervousness was fading away into the fall evening at Jeffrey field on Friday, Niagara was able to score a goal against Milstead. However, the team was able to preserve the 3-1 lead and move on to play host to Villanova on Sunday.

Milstead found herself in the game again yesterday, this time starting the second game of her career in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Villanova played the Lions tough all game and had opportunities to score. However, Penn State's defense was able hold Villanova scoreless in a 2-0 victory.

Coming into the game, the Wildcats knew they were going to be facing Milstead and her lack of playing experience. However, according to Villanova head coach Ann Clifton, that didn't provide any sort of advantage.

"I know Kate pretty well," Clifton said. "She's a Jersey kid, I'm a Jersey girl, so
I've known her for years. There is no drop off, she's a very good goalkeeper. We knew Kate could rise to the challenge."

Stepping up to fill the void of Naeher's injury has not been difficult in the last two games for Milstead, and that has not been a surprise to Penn State head coach Paula Wilkins.

"We talk about it all the time, everyone has different roles on the team and how they make this program great," Wilkins said. "Kate has been preparing to step into this the entire season. She's going to do great and help the team be successful and compete for a national championship."