The NIU women’s field hockey team prepares for one of its toughest weeks this season as the Huskies face two nationally-ranked opponents.

NIU begins the week Tuesday against the No. 2 team in the nation, North Carolina. The 1 p.m. match will be played at Dyche Stadium in Evanston, Ill. The Huskies return to DeKalb for their final match in front of the home crowd Thursday when Northwestern comes in for a 1:30 p.m. contest at Huskie Stadium.

NIU is coming off a disappointing 0-2 weekend against Big Ten Conference opponents to fall to 3-9-1 overall. The Tar Heels started the week with a 10-1 overall mark and ranked second behind Providence in the national poll. North Carolina began the season in the top spot. The Wildcats, currently ranked 13th, dropped a double overtime 2-1 decision to UNC and enter the week at 9-4-2.

The Huskies’ junior Anne Zalewski has provided the offensive punch as of late, leading the team with 16 points on five goals and six assists. Freshman Julie Teaman is the other twin-digit scorer with 10 points—four goals and two assists.