IU returns to action in Bucknell Invite

With nearly three weeks gone by, IU coach Barry King's squad is anxious to get back to action this weekend at the Bucknell Invitational. This weekend, the Hoosiers will matchup against east coast programs for the first time this season. \nAmong the teams, IU will play Hartwick and Providence, both considered to be east coast powerhouse water polo programs. In addition, the Hoosiers will take on George Washington and Harvard in Lewisburg, Penn., this Saturday and Sunday. \nKing said he believes his team is well prepared for battle this weekend after a good three weeks of practice.\n"With three weeks off, we have had a lot of time to work on conditioning and fitness," King said. "We also have had some good scrimmages in practice and look ready for this weekend."\nThe last time the Hoosiers were in action was in San Diego where they took three of four matches -- all against top 20 teams. Having been out of action for three weeks has the squad anxious and excited to go out and play again.\n"We are all anxious to finally play again," junior Jessica Goldner said. "It will be nice to finally get out there this weekend."\nKing said the long break has both a negative and positive effect on the squad. \n"The break has helped in the sense we have been able to get some of the girls to rest up and heal any injuries, as well as working on a lot of things in practice," King said. "However, with no real live action, other than scrimmages, it might be a little tougher for us to go out there this weekend and get up to speed right away."\nThe Hoosiers believe they are ready to take on their competition and come out on top at the Bucknell Invitational. Junior Krista Peterson said the team has a lot of energy to go along with the anxiousness. \n"We've been waiting for too long to go out and play," said Peterson. "Our biggest challenge this weekend, though, is to play hard and not take our competition for granted."\nIU goes in as the top seed at the Bucknell Invitational ranked No.9. Hartwick and Princeton join IU as the other nationally ranked opponents at No.17 and No.19, respectively. However, all four teams the Hoosiers will face are ranked in the top eight of the CWPA conference. \nThe Hoosiers hope to continue their success on the defensive end this weekend. Goldner, IU's goalkeeper, is averaging just under nine saves a contest. IU hopes to pick up where it left off in San Diego and come out victorious at the invite. The Hoosiers will begin play Saturday afternoon against Hartwick, followed by Providence in the evening. \nSunday morning, IU will take on George Washington and wrap up the weekend with Harvard. The team will return back to Bloomington for its home-opener next weekend for conference play as it begins its quest for a second consecutive CWPA Conference Title.\n-- Contact staff writer Matt Ostrega at mostrega@indiana.edu.