Hoosiers knock off 2 ranked teams in Invitational

IU coach Barry King's squad came into the weekend knowing that there would be some stiff competition at the Michigan Invitational. In fact, the Hoosiers had to face three ranked teams in Arizona State, Michigan and the University of California, San Diego. \nThe women's squad opened up the weekend against No. 17 ranked Arizona State in a match that had a closely contested finish. IU played well on the defensive end, keeping the team in the match throughout. In the final period, the Hoosiers found themselves in a hole down one goal with one minute left in regulation. \nAfter a key defensive stop by freshman Janis Pardy, senior Melissa Pietras scored on the other end with 55 seconds left, sending the match into overtime. In the first overtime period, Pardy gave IU the lead, scoring her second goal of the match just 50 seconds in. \nIU then closed the door behind goalkeeper Jessica Goldner's defense. Goldner and the IU defense shut down ASU in both overtime periods, giving the Hoosiers a 6-5 victory to kickoff the season.\nKing was impressed with the girls' desire to come from behind and pull out a win to open up the season.\n"It was nice to see the fortitude and drive to come back and get a victory against a tough Arizona State team," said King in a statement.\nIn the nightcap, the Hoosiers faced No. 10 Michigan. IU ended the first half with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals scored by junior Kandace Waldthaler and Pardy, her third of the day. In the second half, the Hoosiers struggled on the offensive end and were held scoreless. IU saw Michigan score three goals in the second half as the Wolverines proved to be too much for the Hoosiers. \nDespite the loss, King was not disappointed with his team's performance.\n"There is no such thing as a good loss, but this is not a bad one," King said in a statement. "We are very familiar with one another, and it was a very intense match. I don't know that the Midwest or East has seen the caliber of teams that played tonight."\nOn Sunday, the Hoosier women faced No. 14 ranked UCSD. It was their third straight match against a ranked opponent for the weekend. IU controlled most of the first half as they took a one goal lead into the break.\nUCSD came out strong in the second half, as did Michigan the previous day, and gave the Hoosiers their first deficit of the afternoon at 5-4. However, IU was determined to come back and take the match, as they scored five out of the next six goals to put them comfortably ahead at 9-6. The Hoosiers never looked back and notched their second victory of the Invitational.\nKrista Peterson led the Hoosiers with three goals, all in the second half, as well as a career-high three assists against the Tritons of San Diego.\n"We played very well and it was a great start to the season," Peterson said. "We have a lot to work on though and we cannot be completely satisfied with our performance."\nIn the second match of the day, IU faced the Michigan State club team. The game did not count towards the record since it was an exhibition match. The Hoosiers easily handled the Spartans. Freshman Kara Woolley netted five goals en route to an 11-6 win. Peterson and freshman Kristin Zernicke each scored a pair of goals on the afternoon.\nOverall, IU finished 2-1 on the weekend, with an exhibition win as well. The Canadian freshmen duo of Pardy and Zernicke played well in their first weekend as Hoosiers and will be expected to help IU throughout the season.\n"I had a ton of fun out there, and it was a great experience representing IU this weekend," Pardy said. "I am proud to be a part of this squad and can't wait to get back in action."\nThe Hoosiers have the week off and continue play Feb. 7, when they will face No. 15 UC-Irvine at the UC-San Diego Arena Invitational in San Diego, Calif. IU will compete in a four-team pool, with the winner advancing on into the championship pool.\n-- Contact staff writer Matt Ostrega at mostrega@indiana.edu.