It was a pretty tough week. Field hockey, football, men's and women's soccer and volleyball all suffered losses this week, but even so, there were some great individual performances from 'Cats all across campus. Here are the best ones:
5. Jenna Hascher, women's soccer: Northwestern has struggled to a 2-9-2 record so far this season, but freshman goalkeeper Jenna Hascher has done her best to keep her team competitive. In losses to Indiana and Purdue last week, Hascher allowed just three goals. While three is a significant amount, the Hoosiers and Boilermakers unleashed a combined 15 shots on goal, meaning Hascher saved 80 percent of opponents' shots on target. If the offensive struggles continue, Hascher may have to be even better to give her team a chance.
4. Suchaya Tangkamolprasert, women's golf: The sophomore was the lone Wildcat in the top 10 in individual standings at the Windy City Collegiate Classic as she led NU to a fifth-place finish (out of 15). After a three-over opening round, Tangkamolprasert responded with an even-par score through the final two days to tie for ninth place. The 'Cats do not have another tournament until Oct. 25, but they'll need Tangkamolprasert to continue her stellar play when that day comes.
3. Chris Ritter, men's soccer: After a 7-1 start and a No. 5 national ranking, the 'Cats stumbled in two overtime losses last week, but senior midfielder Chris Ritter was one of the bright spots. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year gave his usual tenacious effort on defense, but he also added firepower on offense that isn't always seen from him. Against Bradley, Ritter slid a nifty pass into the box to perfectly set up freshman forward Joey Calistri to boot home the tying goal in the 85th minute. He followed that up with a free kick goal and an assist to senior midfielder Lepe Seetane against Michigan State.
2. Nikki Parsley, field hockey: After the 'Cats were shut out by No. 8 Penn State on Saturday, it was their senior leader who stepped up the next day vs. Kent State. Parsley overcame the tough defense of the Golden Flashes, Parsley struck two times in the first half to give the 'Cats a comfortable lead. Northwestern, which is ranked 10th in the nation, went on to win 3-1 and now sits at 11-3 overall.
1. Rashad Lawrence, football: The Wildcats dominated through the air in their 40-30 defeat against Ohio State, and Lawrence was a big reason why. Prior to Saturday, the senior receiver had three catches for 36 yards on the season, but against the Buckeyes, he tore up the secondary for eight grabs and 149 yards. And when they needed him most was when he truly stepped up. In the fourth quarter, with the 'Cats down 27-23, Lawrence broke free for a 67-yard reception that set up the go-ahead touchdown. By having the best game of his career against the No. 4 team in the nation, Lawrence's stock certainly rises going forward.