Hoosiers host Ball State on Saturday

During the preseason, the IU field hockey team defeated Ball State 5-3 in its lone scrimmage before regular season play. Despite the outcome, IU coach Amy Robertson wasn’t overly impressed. \n“We won by score,” she said. “But if you ask Ball State, I bet you they feel like they won the scrimmage.”\nIU, now 3-1 on the season, will face Ball State again, as the Hoosiers welcome the Cardinals for a 2 p.m. home contest Saturday at the IU Field Hockey Field. This time, the Hoosiers have more game experience and are poised for a sharper performance. \n“We want to play a complete game for 70 minutes with intensity and focus,” Robertson said. “I’d like to see better decisions and finishing when we’re in good position. We have to be able to handle the pressure inside the circle.”\nThe Hoosiers will look to tighten up the defense this time around after giving up three goals to Ball State in the scrimmage. \n“I think defense is the starting point and that includes me,” senior goalkeeper Haley Exner said. “We have to have good marking and not let them receive the ball and get good shots. We need a little more organization and to continue to get tougher out there.”\nIn their last game, IU shutout Saint Louis 8-0, allowing only one shot and giving up no penalty corners. Senior forward Kate O’Connell would like to see a repeat performance against Ball State.\n“I think another shutout would be great for our defense,” she said. “I think if we play our game, we are capable of doing that.”\nAgainst Saint Louis, the offense put on a show, and four Hoosiers scored their first career goal. Freshman forward Katie Griswold scored two goals. Freshmen Lena Grote and Brenna Moeljadi also scored along with junior Danitra Castro.\nIU constantly attacked the circle, taking 19 shots and earning 16 penalty corners, something Robertson believes the Hoosiers can build upon for the game on Saturday. \n“I think we can take a lot from how well we moved the ball and penetrated the offensive side of the field,” she said. \nThe Saint Louis game showcased the depth of the team as the Hoosiers saw big time contributions from their bench. \n“Several girls came off the bench and had huge performances,” Robertson said. “It was important for me to see that if I stick someone else in they can go out there and play their personal best. I think we have more options than we originally thought.”