Although their two teams may not have much history, Penn women’s soccer coach Darren Ambrose’s friendship with Penn State coach Erica Walsh dates back to her six years coaching at Dartmouth.
But, since Walsh left the Big Green for the Nittany Lions in 2003, the two friends have yet to officially face off on the field.
Still, both coaches have an idea of what to expect in Friday’s first-round NCAA tournament matchup in Morgantown, W. Va.
“An hour after the draw, she was just joking about video exchange and things,” Ambrose said. “I have a ton of respect for her, she’s a great girl, good coach. It’ll be nice to play against her.”
Although the two didn’t exchange film, Penn (9-6-2, 4-1-2 Ivy) got a look at its competition last spring. The Quakers defeated the Nittany Lions, 1-0, in a 45-minute spring scrimmage.
While Ambrose claims that the spring match was not the best indication of either team’s current abilities, his players think they know what they’re in for today.
“They’re a pretty big, physical team which is nice, but I know they play a lot of big balls,” goalkeeper Caroline Williams said. “They have a forward up top that is just one of the fastest people I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
That forward is senior Dani Toney. In addition to her seven goals and 18 points this season, Toney has amassed a wealth of accolades over her collegiate career.
Penn State’s forward line is rounded out by Christine Nairn and Toni Costa, who have netted a combined 15 goals for the Nittany Lions (10-8-1). Costa, a freshman, leads the squad with eight goals and was not on the roster when the Quakers faced Penn State last spring.
Toney, Nairn, and Costa are three of Penn State’s five players that earned All-Big Ten honors.
“In a 90-minute game, you’re not going to stop them.” Ambrose said. “We’re just going to have to be on our toes, know what they’re capable of, deny them as much as we can.”
Penn, however, has some standouts of its own. Five Quakers were named to the All-Ivy squad, including freshman Kerry Scalora, who also earned Ivy Rookie of the Year honors.
Scalora and her fellow underclassmen will take guidance from the seniors, who are the only four members of the team with NCAA tournament experience.
Although today’s game will mark Penn State’s 16th consecutive NCAA berth, Williams and her squad are optimistic.
“I think we’re all very excited because this is such a new experience,” she said. “My class in particular, coming into a team that had just won, this is what we’ve dreamed of since we’ve been here.”
