Field hockey to face Ohio State this weekend

Saturday’s contest between IU and Ohio State will feature familiarity and added exposure for both teams.

Though the Big Ten Network will broadcast the game, IU coach Amy Robertson said it will be business as usual.

“It hasn’t affected the way that we practice. We are focusing on two things: our transition and defense. We need to be able to organize when we (have) numbers down. We need to be thinking quicker, ahead of the play,” Robertson said. “The second thing is outletting with better possession and confidence. If a team risks overloading a side, we need to make them pay for that by moving the ball to the space.”

The Hoosiers’ second Big Ten game allows IU to exact some revenge against the No. 7 Buckeyes. Ohio State defeated the Hoosiers 4-3 in Columbus, Ohio during the preseason.

According to senior midfielder Kelsey Kiper, the preseason game may have benefits for IU on Saturday.

“We’ll be more comfortable and more confident,” Kiper said. “We know their playing style because we played them this year. No surprises. Each team is going to be improved from when we played them last. This way, we’re a little more comfortable on the type of style they play.”

Saturday’s game provides IU the chance to draw their record even in Big Ten play. IU fell to Penn State 1-0 on Sept. 24.

“Every Big Ten game is special. Being at home, playing a team that’s ranked very high this year, that’s been very successful. This is a huge game for us,” Robertson said.

“It’s a great opportunity. We’re playing better. I feel really good about this game.”
The Hoosiers’ loss in the preseason provided the team some insight in how to defeat the Buckeyes.
“Use the transfer ball, switching fields from left to right. They have really skilled forwards, so we’re going to need to be very patient on defense as well,” Kiper said.

The game will air delayed on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. Saturday and also at 1 p.m. Sunday.