Hoosiers to face Louisville

IU's struggling field hockey team will take to the field again tonight for a match-up with another top-notch opponent. The Hoosiers visit No. 11 Louisville at 7:30 p.m. in Tragger Stadium. \nIU is coming off of a tough weekend road trip in which they dropped both of their games. The team fell to the Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday and were overpowered by Penn State squad, 6-1, on Sunday.\nDespite the team's poor record, coach Amy Robertson thinks her building for the future approach will eventually pay the dividends of a strong field hockey program. \n"We could have probably eked out a couple more wins this year if we played hit and chase and were a bit more scrappy," Robertson said. "But we are trying to establish a tradition and style of play that stresses flow and execution so that we are better in the long run."\nLouisville might be a good example of the team IU is trying to build. They are fundamentally sound and very competitive, registering a 6-3 record so far. Also, Robertson thinks they perform exceptionally well on penalty corners. \n"Louisville tends to draw a lot of corners," Robertson said. "We must show better poise and patience in our defensive circle so that we do not allow them to draw easy corner opportunities." \nAnother aspect the Hoosiers will have to contend with is the strong play of Louisville sophomore Kim Hughes. She scored the game-winner in Louisville's 2-1 victory over No. 10 Kent State Sept. 28 and was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Week. Hughes leads the team in goals, assists and points, and she earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors last year. \nOffense continues to be the sticking point for the struggling Hoosiers, who have dropped their last three contests, getting outscored 10-1 in that time frame.\nSenior midfielder Erica Nilsson thinks things are slowly coming together. \n"I think the pieces are starting to fall into place, and when it all comes together, our offense will explode," Nilsson said. "Even though our record may not represent that, our play on the field does."\nOne bright spot in the Hoosiers dreary weekend was the first ever start for sophomore goalie Lauren Brophy on Saturday against Georgetown. Brophy, a converted midfielder, was overjoyed to get the nod in the cage.\n"I was nervous before the game but as soon as the game started my attention was focused on directing our defense," Brophy said. "It was a great opportunity to gain confidence in my abilities and decision making as a goalie."\nBrophy had four saves on the day. But senior goalie Molly Pulkrabek, the Big Ten saves leader, will continue to see the vast majority of the action. \nAfter contesting the Cardinals tonight, IU returns home for a match-up with Ohio State Saturday.