IU field hockey on the road over weekend as Big Ten play starts up

The IU field hockey team has seen a lot of the new IU field hockey field lately. But this weekend, the Hoosiers are in for a change of scenery.\nLast weekend, IU completed a three-week, five-game home stand during which the team went 2-3 against some top-ranked competition. This weekend, IU (4-3) will hit the road and head to Columbus, Ohio, to face Big Ten foe Ohio State on Friday and Missouri State on Saturday. \nWhile a home crowd and friendly confines are always nice, IU coach Amy Robertson said sometimes, a road trip can be a blessing in disguise. \n“I think sometimes it can be an advantage being on the road,” she said. “It’s a little easier mentally without having to worry about classes or some of the other distractions. We can do an easy walk-through before the game and get comfortable. Playing at home is great, but the road can be your best friend too.”\nThe game against Ohio State will mark the beginning of the Big Ten season for the Hoosiers. \n“We’re really excited to start Big Ten play,” senior midfielder Amanda Oyler said. “I think we’ve been playing well and are well prepared.”\nRobertson also said the Hoosiers are looking forward to Big Ten play, but will focus on their own improvement and not on the play of their opponents.\n“We’re just going to take one game at a time and continue the process of learning,” she said. “I think each practice we’ve improved something, but we’ve also found out some of our difficulties. Sometimes improving on the little things can make a big difference.” \nOne of the things IU is hoping to improve is its ability to finish on offense. The Hoosiers have created scoring opportunities all season but have struggled turning those chances into goals lately. \nIn their last two games, the Hoosiers managed only one goal despite attempting 11 shots.\n“We’re focused on getting good shot opportunities,” Robertson said. “We have to be smart and relentless in our attack.”\nIU played well against good competition last weekend, losing close games to No. 11 Ohio and No. 5 Wake Forest. The Hoosiers believe the experience will help prepare them for the games this weekend.\n“I think we’ve really stepped up our play,” sophomore back Brittney Hacken said. “We need to improve on some of the little things, but I think we’ll still go in to these games with the same game plan.”\nAfter a long homestand, the Hoosiers are ready for two tough road tests.\n“We are playing with confidence,” Oyler said. “We just need to step up to the challenge and put it all together out on the field.”