Hoosiers hope changes lead to more victories

After losing two of the last three games, including two tight Big Ten match-ups, IU field hockey coach Amy Robertson found herself searching for that extra something to help the team get back on track. \nIn the week of practice leading up to this weekend’s games, she believes she may have found an answer. \nWith the Hoosiers hosting Miami University of Ohio on Friday and No. 9 Penn State on Sunday at the IU Field Hockey Field, Robertson said the coaches treated practice this week as open tryouts for starting positions. \n“We’ve had a pretty consistent starting lineup for most of this year,” she said. “We’re going to try something new and keep the starting lineups open. We are looking for consistent effort in practice. Those who perform in practice, despite talent or who has started in the past, will be the ones to start in the games.”\nRobertson admitted she was a bit hesitant to make this change, wondering how the players might respond. But after a good practice Tuesday, she was reassured that it might work for the team. \n“We had some really good intersquad competition,” she said. “We were very clear with the players about what we were expecting, and we kept the lines of communication open. I think it has been a real positive so far, and it has been exciting to watch the girls compete.”\nAfter a 2-1 loss to Ohio State and a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to Iowa, the Hoosiers hope their spirited play in practice carries over into the games. \n“We’re just trying to forget about the past and look toward the future,” freshman forward Lena Grote said. “Against Iowa, we played hard throughout regulation time, and then when overtime came, we hit a little bit of a lull. This weekend, we need to come out and play with heart and will for the whole time.”\nDespite their recent struggles, IU is not treating this weekend any differently. \n“Every game is big because it’s competition,” sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Schmidt said. “We are just looking to outplay our opponents and get a couple wins against two good teams.”\nWhen IU meets Penn State on Sunday, the players should not need any extra motivation, Robertson said. \n“We have a lot of players from Pennsylvania on our roster,” she said. “Our games against Penn State are never lacking for effort or heart. They are a tough team and have played some great competition this year.”\nThe Hoosiers have also faced a tough schedule this year. While they haven’t been able to record a marquee win, they have come close. \n“We are getting better and better as a team, and we continue to take steps in a positive direction,” Robertson said. “There’s no question that we have the talent and ability, but we’re still searching for that big win at home.”