IU field hockey team's offense helps core goals, win games

IU coach Amy Robertson preaches taking advantage of goal-scoring opportunities, being efficient offensively and possessing the ball.

In an early season 4-2 win against California, the Hoosiers did just that as they scored four times on only nine shots on goal.

“When we connected, we really connected,” senior midfielder Kelsey Kiper said. “It was throughout all of the lines. When we got it out of the circle, we really took advantage of being in transition. ...That really keeps the defense on their feet.”

With 15 goals and 36 points, last season’s leading scorer and now-sophomore forward Morgan Fleetwood’s role in the Hoosiers’ attack is of great significance.
In the first four games of the season, Fleetwood tallied a team-leading 15 shots on goal.

“Morgan is so strong,” Robertson said. “She’s very confident. She’s got great skill. Her mentality is ‘I’m going to score a goal.’ If she hasn’t scored, even if we win, she’s pretty let-down because she has taken as her ownership on this team to score goals.”

The key to the Hoosiers’ success could be offensive efficiency.

Building the attack through the midfielders to create 2-on-1 situations allows more favorable scoring opportunities, Robertson said.

“If you don’t build the ball up, and you just hit it to the forwards, they’ve got numbers down every time,” Robertson said.

IU’s success starts with being stout defensively, Robertson said. The team produces significant offense from transition opportunities.

“Build numbers, create 2-v-1s, possess the ball and move it so you find more space on the field,” Robertson said.