Team looking past last season

As the Hoosiers prepared for the upcoming season, one thing was apparent -- last year's record of 10-7-2 (4-4-2) would not be acceptable this season. After reaching their first postseason tournament last year since 1998, the Hoosiers are expecting big things in coach Mick Lyon's second year. Senior midfielder Emily Hotz said she is anticipating a good year.\n"We're all very excited for this year," Hotz said. "We have a very strong team this year. We're expecting to make it to the Big 10 and NCAA tournaments."\nThe strength of the team lies in the defense, led by senior goalkeeper Shaunna Daugherty. Last season, Daugherty started 17 games and racked up 74 saves. This season, she will have the benefit of a deeper defensive unit to ease the pressure. Anchoring the defense is senior defender Erin Hesselbach, who was an All-Big Ten honoree last season. Lyon said he believes the team's tough defense will help will more games this year. \n"Last year, we had no experience or depth, especially on defense," Lyon said. "Now we've got three good goalies and eight defenders with a lot of experience between them. We also now have the ability to rotate players, which we didn't have last year. I don't see us giving up many goals."\nDespite finishing with an even 4-4-2 record in Big Ten play last year, the Hoosiers were ranked seventh in the preseason coach's poll. Penn State, having won five consecutive Big Ten titles was ranked first, while Michigan was second and Wisconsin was third. Senior forward Shelly Gruszka said she is looking forward to how well the team will do this year.\n"As a senior, I'd like to end on a successful note," Gruszka said. "Last year we had new coaches and it was sort of a developmental year. This year, we have a lot of good new girls and we're looking to make it to NCAA's. This season looks very promising."\nLyon said he expects the team to establish themselves as one of the best of the Big 10 this season.\n"Last year was the chance to get a foot in the door," Lyon said. "This year we can solidify foundations that we began building last year. We'd like to compete for the Big 10 championship this season."\n-- Contact staff writer Cory Steger at csteger@indiana.edu.