No rest for weary Hoosiers

The mood this week at women’s soccer practice was shockingly upbeat.

Last Sunday, the Hoosiers (2-3) were outplayed in the finale of the Hoosier Classic and were defeated 3-1 by underdog Cal Poly. The loss placed the Hoosiers in a disappointing third for the tournament.

“Surprisingly, (morale) hasn’t been that low,” said junior Kelly Lawrence. “We had conversation with coach after the game, (about) which we were all obviously disappointed, and he was disappointed in us, and he let us know that, which was needed. He also said we need to leave the disappointment behind us and focus on what we need to do in practice.”

Junior co-captain Jessica Boots feels the team struggles last week had to do more with the cerebral part of the game more than anything.

“I think (the mood) has been uplifted,” said the Carmel native. “I think mentally we’ve been more focused. You know, I think the game on Sunday, I think we were mentally not there. We played some good soccer, but I think it’s a lot about the mental game, so we have been working on that.”

This weekend the Hoosiers will head east. IU will take on George Mason (2-3) at 7 p.m. Friday and Loyola (Md.) (0-3-1) at noon Sunday. The George Mason Patriots come into Friday’s game having won their last two games. After two shutouts last weekend, Patriot junior goalkeeper Kelly Keelan was named Colonial Athletic Association co-player of the week.

“I expect them to be a tough opponent for us,” said IU coach Mick Lyon. “We know they play the 4-4-2 and they have pretty dangerous forwards that we got to make sure we take of. I think as long as we come out and play with the enthusiasm and the energy we started last Friday’s game and the Friday before, which was Tennessee, we’ll be all over opponents.”

The Greyhounds of Loyola, who competed in the 2007 NCAA tournament, come into this weekend’s contest winless but had a 3-3 tie last Sunday against San Diego State.

One obstacle the Hoosiers will have to overcome is the playing field. In Sunday’s game against Loyola, the Hoosiers will have to adjust to playing on an artificial surface.

“I imagine we will get to practice on it Friday morning,” Boots said. “Probably the first ten minutes of the game we will have to get used to it. I don’t think it will take long. I think it something we will have to deal with it and move on with.”