After a disappointing season a year ago, the IU field hockey team showed a flash of potential at Saint Louis on Tuesday with a 4-0 victory over the Billikens.
Sophomore midfielder Kelsey Giese led the way offensively for the Hoosiers with two goals in the first half of play, including a straight penalty corner shot in the 26th minute. Giese is the second leading returning point scorer from last year behind Ciara Giroud’s seven goals and one assist.
The Hoosiers, who will have to replace Katie Johnson in the goal from last season, featured two new goalies who combined for a shutout. Freshman Shelby Querry started and sophomore Sachi Ananias came in to complete the second half and bonus period for the Hoosiers.
The two put together an impressive display in the net to combine for a defensive performance that didn’t allow a Saint Louis shot in the first half. This game proved to be a step in the right direction for a defense that was torched in conference play last season.
The scrimmage gave Coach Amanda Janney Misselhorn a chance to feature underclassmen in their first game action at IU. Freshmen Mary Kate Kesler and Hailey Couch combined to put the game out of reach as Kesler found Couch for a goal in the 67th minute for their first career collegiate points.
IU will return to action as it host the annual Cream and Crimson scrimmage on Friday at the IU Field Hockey Complex.
The Hoosiers will then meet Ball State for their final scrimmage at 1 p.m. Saturday before playing Louisville on Aug. 24 in the regular season opener.
Jared Rigdon
