IU field hockey had a tough weekend to open its season, losing the first two games.
The Hoosiers played two opponents ranked among the top-10 teams in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll, No. 9 Louisville and No. 3 Delaware.
The Hoosiers fell 4-1 in their first game on Friday against Louisville. Their only goal was scored by sophomore midfielder Ciara Girouard. She is part of the young core of sophomores who are taking over the midfield spots IU lost to graduating seniors last season.
IU was outshot 10 to 13 as Louisville scored three of its four goals off penalty corners.
Last season, IU lost to eventual national champion Delaware 5-4. Saturday, IU couldn't keep it that close against the Blue Hens as the Hoosiers fell 7-0.
Delaware's offense caused problems for IU, as the Blue Hens posted 23 shots and had six penalty corners during the game. Five of Delaware’s seven goals came off of shots in front of the cage, the last two being off penalty corners.
Senior goalkeeper Katie Johnson collected seven saves in 55 minutes, and eventually freshman goalkeeper Sachi Ananias came in and completed four saves to close out the game.
The Hoosiers were tested this weekend, and IU Coach Amanda Janney said she was happy with the effort her team showed.
“I think our players had a great performance this weekend," she said. "I think the quality of the play and the intensity that they played with was not reflective of the score."
Looking forward, the Hoosiers face another ranked opponent in Wake Forest on Sept. 1. Janney said she knows it is going to be another tough matchup.
“Wake is gonna be a smart passing team, Janney said. "The challenges we went through in these last few games are really gonna better prepare us in next weekend’s game."
