The Youngstown State women's soccer team is gearing up for its busiest week of the season with three matches in five days when it hosts Robert Morris on Sept. 11 and Ohio on Sept. 13. The Penguins also visit Northern Kentucky on Sept. 15.

The Penguins and Colonials kickoff on Wednesday at 6 p.m. while the Ohio game is slated for a 4 p.m. start on Friday. Kickoff against the Norse is set for Sunday at Noon.

About the Penguins
Youngstown State enters this week with a 1-3-1 overall record and snapped a three-game losing and scoreless streak when it salvaged a 1-1- double-overtime tie against Akron on Sept. 6. Sophomore Nicolette Merlo scored her first career goal with 11:09 left in regulation to force the extra periods.

First Career Goal Scorers
Three different players have scored a goal for the Penguins this season and each one has been the first of each players' career. In the win over Niagara on Aug. 23, freshman midfielder Rachel Hutton and senior defender Brittany Dowd each posted their first goal against the Purple Eagles. Sophomore Nicolette Merlo recorded her first goal against Akron on Sept. 6 in a 1-1 tie.

Podolsky Lowering Career GAA Mark
Junior goalkeeper Jackie Podolsky has been stellar in the net for the Penguins this season. She has recorded 28 saves with an .848 save percentage this season and owns a 0.96 goals-against average. Her save percentage ranks third in the Horizon League while her goals-against average is fourth. Podolsky has also lowered her career goals-against average from 1.15 to 1.08, which is a school best.

Ludwig  In the Top 10
Senior Allison Ludwig has been one of the top offensive players in school history. Ludwig currently ranks sixth all-time with 11 goals and seventh with 24 total points.

About Robert Morris
The Colonials enter the week with a 3-2-1 overall record with wins over Northern Kentucky (1-0), Niagara (2-1) and Bucknell (3-1) to start the season. After tying Pitt (1-1), the Colonials dropped two straight to Maryland-Baltimore County (2-1) and Howard (1-0). Madison Kozlowski leads the Colonials with four goals and nine total points while Johanna Kadam and Leah Prentice each have a goal and an assists.

The Robert Morris Series
This will be the 18th meeting between Youngstown State and Robert Morris in a series that dates back to 1996. The Colonials own a 10-6-1 advantage in the all-time series, but the Penguins have won the last four matches, including a 3-2 win last season at Robert Morris. The previous four games have all been decided by one goal.

About Ohio
Ohio enters this week with 3-2-1 overall record and has won its last three games. The Bobcats defeated Eastern Kentucky (1-0), Niagara (2-1) and Morehead State (3-1). Their losses have come to Indiana (1-0) and DePaul (3-1) and their tie was against Horizon League member Wright State (1-1). Leading the Bobcats is Maggie Murnane with three goals and an assist. Alexis Milesky has scored two goals with an assist for Ohio.

The Ohio Series
This will be the fourth meeting between Youngstown State and Ohio in a series that started in 1997. The Bobcats won the three previous meetings, including a 1-0 victory in 2012 at Athens, Ohio.

About Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky is also 3-2-1 overall and has won its last three contests, including a 6-1 win over Canisius on Sept. 8 and a 2-1 win over Morehead State on Sept. 6. Leading the Norse is Allison Ponzer with two goals. Seven other players have scored a goal for the Norse this season and goalkeeper Tanner Ruberg owns a 3-2-1 record with two shutouts and 29 saves.

The Northern Kentucky Series
This is just the second meeting between Youngstown State and Northern Kentucky. In the only other meeting, Northern Kentucky defeated the Penguins, 2-1, last season at Stambaugh Stadium.

Free Admission
In 2013, fans will have free admission into Farmers National Bank Field. Please re

Up Next
The Penguins visit nearby Kent State, Friday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m.