IU splits matches against Wake Forest, Applachian State

The IU field hockey team split a pair of matches in North Carolina this weekend, defeating Appalachian State University 1-0 Friday and falling to three-time defending national champions Wake Forest 4-2 Sunday. \nSenior midfielder Lesley Wiler provided all the offense the Hoosiers needed Friday in their victory over Appalachian State. \nWiler's goal came in the third minute off an assist from junior back Morgan Miller after a penalty corner. The early goal proved to be the difference, as IU's defense limited the Mountaineers to only three shots, compared to the Hoosiers' 26. Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Exner recorded her only save at the end of the game on a crucial Appalachian State penalty corner. Despite the lack of offensive production, the Hoosiers were able to escape with a win against an Appalachian State team that head coach Amy Robertson said was improving as the game went on. \n"It was a tough environment to play in, and we were happy to get out of there with a win against an Appalachian State team that was getting tougher as the game continued," Robertson said. \nThe Hoosiers then traveled to Kentner Stadium in Winston-Salem Sunday afternoon to take on the three-time defending national champion Demon Deacons of Wake Forest. Led by two goals from junior Kristi Harshman, the Demon Deacons jumped out to an early 3-0 lead by halftime, and appeared to have the match safely in hand. \nBut the Hoosiers came out firing in the second half as Wiler recorded her second goal of the weekend in the 39th minute off an assist from sophomore forward Frederique Meeuwsen to make the score 3-1, and Miller added a goal in the 48th minute off an assist from Meeuwsen and sophomore midfielder Meredith Brown to shorten the Wake Forest lead. \nThe defending national champs then showed how they earned last year's title and put the game out of reach as they tallied one more goal with 10 minutes left, winning 4-2. The win extended Wake Forest's non-conference winning streak to 55 games. The loss represents the first blemish on the Hoosier record, which currently stands at 3-1. \nDespite the loss, Robertson was pleased with her team's play, particularly its ability to fight back from an early 3-0 deficit.\n"When we got the score to 3-2, I was confident we would tie it up and eventually win the game," Robertson said. "I think we played a little harder than Wake, but they showed a little more poise and were able to hold on and win."\nRobertson said she believes the loss will still inspire more confidence for the Hoosiers.\n"It was some of the best hockey I've seen us play, and I think we realized we can play with anyone in the country," Robertson said. \nWith the season-opening, four-game road trip complete, the Hoosiers will begin a five-game home stand, starting Friday when IU takes on the University of the Pacific.