Rebuilding program on schedule for No. 16 IU

Five years ago, IU restarted a field hockey program to compete in the Big Ten. Those first two years, IU coach Amy Robertson posted a combined two wins. Undeterred, Robertson began building the program that would soon be as successful as the Wake Forest program she left. \nIn the 2004 season, the IU field hockey team is ranked No. 16 in the nation and among the top competitors. \n"This is the best team I have coached," Robertson said. "At the end of the season, I would like to see us in the top 12 of field hockey." \nIt is the second time in school history the field hockey team has earned a national ranking in the STX/NFHCA coaches' poll. Last year, the Hoosiers were ranked No. 20 in the nation when they started off their first nine games 6-3. Unfortunately, IU would only win two more games that season, which nonetheless was an improvement from its 2002 record, when the team ended the season 6-13-0. \nThis year the Hoosiers are hungry for respect in a tough Big Ten conference. \nSurrounded by a quick, aggressive offense led by sophomores Morgan Miller and Lydia Schrott, and junior Leslie Wyler, IU has accumulated penalty corners off the opposing defenses and completed big scores off of their turnovers. Schrott and Miller each led the team with five goals a piece. \n"We're determined," said Wyler, who leads the team in assists. "We have more talent than most teams out there, but it's just a matter of getting organized and out on the field." \nThe biggest improvement for the Hoosiers has been their defense. Sophomore Jodi Murphy and juniors Mallory Reabold and Morgan Albini lead the defensive unit around goaltender Kate Kanara. So far this season, the defense has allowed one goal or less in six games and has shutout its opponents in three of those games. Kanara has averaged over six saves a game for the Hoosiers. \n"I think we are learning more and really improving as a team," Albini said. "There may be some breakdowns in the offense and defense, but we're playing well." \nSlowing down the Hoosiers' progress, though, were two straight home losses to Big Ten rivals Michigan and Iowa this past weekend. However, Robertson is not worried. She said her team is in a position to win with its upcoming schedule despite losing the last three straight games. \n"The thing that fires us up is trying to build a program. We're trying to dispel this idea that Indiana is a young, weak program that you can just walk on," Robertson said. \nIU will have to play for respect in 2004, as its upcoming schedule includes games at Penn State, Northwestern, Michigan State and Miami (Ohio). For the remainder of the season, the Hoosiers only have two home games at the Mellencamp Pavilion -- against Ohio State and St. Louis -- before the Big Ten tournament at Northwestern. \nAfter early losses in the past two tournaments, IU is finally looking to make its mark in a conference that will not easily succumb to the emergence of a new team. \n"Respect is what fires us up," Robertson said. "We see our potential, and we know we can do things. We're just not quite there yet." After an early exit to Michigan State in last season's Big Ten tournament, the players said they are ready to make a turnaround this season. \nSo will the Hoosiers make the playoffs in 2004?\n"Yes," Albini said. "We are going to pick it up. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."\n-- Contact staff writer Andrew Shaffer at asshaffe@indiana.edu.