The Kent State field hockey team will try to continue its winning ways this weekend against Northwestern and American at the Thomas Athletic Complex in Evanston, Ill.

The Golden Flashes are riding a three-game winning streak but haven’t played since the Sept. 4 victory against Ohio State. Coach Kathleen Schanne is not worried about the long layoff having any negative effects.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “We are happy to get a little bit of rest and fine tune some stuff.”

Schanne said the team spent the layoff working on maximizing opportunities on offensive corners and press attacks. Defensively, the Flashes have only given up one goal during the last three games, led by plenty of saves by goalkeeper Kara Copeland.

Tomorrow’s game against American may prove to be the team’s biggest challenge of the season. The Eagles are 6-0 this season and ranked ninth nationally in the NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll. American comes into the game with victories over Kent State opponents Ohio State and Northwestern, whom the Flashes face today.

“I think it’s going to be a great weekend,” said Charlotte Muller, senior midfield and team captain. “Northwestern always gives us a tough game, and American is ranked, so it is going to be a couple of tough games.”

This weekend’s games will be tougher if junior forward Natalie Barrett cannot play. She did not practice Wednesday and will be game-time decision due to undisclosed injuries. Barrett leads the team in goals with four and is tied for the team lead in assists with two.

Contact sports reporter Jeff Russ at [email protected].