IU ranks No. 1 in conference

IU has once again taken its yearly position among the Big Ten’s best.

And the Hoosiers, ranked No. 13 nationally, are ready to defend their title as the top-ranked team in the conference.

“Every year we are considered the top dog and one of the best teams in the country,” IU coach Mike Freitag said. “It’s nothing unusual or different. It’s pressure you put on yourself. If we play every game to our potential, we’ll be alright.”

Under Freitag’s coaching, the Hoosiers have gone 20-5-6 since he began in 2004 in a conference known for a more push-and-shove style of play.

“It may be a little more physical conference than other conferences,” Freitag said. “It attracts athletic kids, so you have to match the physical talent of other Big Ten teams.”

With four players who earned All-Big Ten honors last season, IU knows what is expected during its Big Ten matchups.

“We usually do well under pressure, and we have a good team,” senior midfielder Lee Hagedorn said. “It’s something we can handle.”

The Cream and Crimson are ranked above any other Big Ten opponent in preseason polls. The Hoosiers are ready to begin a new conference season following a 3-3-0 end to last year’s conference record and a 1-0 loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament.

“After last year, I think everyone is looking forward to Michigan State at home,” Hagedorn said. “I think all of us want to get some revenge on them in front of our home crowd.”

But Freitag is not focused on any certain matchup. He has placed more stake in the six Big Ten games the Hoosiers have ahead of them.

“I’m hoping we’re just looking forward to our next opponent,” Freitag said. “If you look past someone, your guard will be down and you’ll get punched in the nose.”

IU will end the season with the Big Ten tournament at Bill Armstrong Stadium from Nov. 11 to 15. Hagedorn said playing in Bloomington for the tournament will be an advantage.

“Our home fans really support us well,” he said. “We get to stay in our hometown and sleep in our own beds, and we’re used to playing on the field we play on all year.”

Freitag agreed that the confines of home will be valuable.

“It’s familiar surroundings,” he said. “But sometimes being at home is a distraction. Our guys will prepare right and be ready. We look forward to playing for a Big Ten championship at home.”