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Thursday, March 28
The Indiana Daily Student

sports field hockey

IU set to take on two ranked opponents this weekend

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Positive team momentum has translated into a scoring streak so far this season for IU senior defender Kate Barber.

Barber has already scored nine times through the Hoosiers’ six games and leads the team in goals. Last year, she scored just eight times.

A team captain, Barber credits the IU squad as an enabler for her success on offense and is looking to keep it going when IU faces No. 7 Maryland and No. 12 Delaware on the road.

“I am definitely a little nervous, but I think the team is ready for the challenge,” Barber said. “We have been working really hard all through the season and really making changes in the past couple of weeks, working on our strengths in practice and finding what is really going to work for us rather than what we have to do to stop the other team.”

IU arguably had their best performance of the season against Maryland last year when they fell, 1-0, in overtime, and will use that memory to fuel their attempt at a victory this weekend.

“That was the best game that we played out of all season last year,” Barber said. ”I think that if we can come out firing like that we will be good to go for this game. It is going to be really challenging but, I think we are fully capable to get the outcome we want.”

IU Coach Amanda Janney said it’s good they get to play Maryland for their first Big Ten game because the Terrapins are indicative of the type of competition IU will need to be able to win against.

In order for that to happen, IU will need to score. Top scorer Barber seeks her 10th goal of the season and at the moment is ranked second in the nation for goals. She is averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Janney also admitted Barber’s success not only influences Barber, but everyone.

“I think she is a leader by example,” Janney said. “I think she practices just as hard as she plays in games, and not every player is like that. That is the kind of work that you need to become an all-American.”

Barber said the reason why she believes many goals have come her way is because this season, in contrast to last season where she had a more defensive role, she’s been given more opportunities to be in the circle and generate shots.

IU will also play Delaware this weekend, but senior defender Mollie Getzfread said she believes it’s important to focus on one game at a time if the Hoosiers are to win.

Getzfread also said many players are excited to go on the road because the games will take place closer to their homes and will allow friends and family to see them play.

IU faces Maryland at 1 p.m. Saturday, and will meet Delaware at noon Sunday.

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