Healthy Hoosiers to play first game at home field

They call it Bloody Monday.

It was only the preseason, yet the IU field hockey team saw three players go down to knee injuries, with two that would require surgery.

Both captains? Out.

And the 2010 regular season had yet to begin.

It’s been a little over a year since that Monday. The whole 2011 preseason has been played and the entire field hockey team is still intact and injury-free, but IU Coach Amy Robertson and her staff are taking extra precautions for this season.

“We’re doing a lot in terms of recovery after practice and making sure we’re pushing them, but not too far,” Robertson said. “Our training this summer was more progressive. We didn’t cram to get in shape.”

Forward Katie Griswold, who missed her senior campaign in 2010 with a knee injury from the 2009 season, is giving it another go in 2011. She said her coaches have better prepared the team this season.

“After watching an entire season, it gives you lots of perspective,” Griswold said. “So then getting to come back as a fifth-year is really cool, because you learn a lot when you watch. You just think about getting to play again, and now, finally getting to play is the most exciting thing. I feel like a little kid again.”

Now, Griswold and senior co-captain Brenna Moeljadi are ready to spread their fifth-year knowledge to better their 9-9 record from last season.

The Hoosiers open against Miami (OH) at 4 p.m. Friday at the IU Field Hockey Complex and finish their opening weekend against No. 15 Duke at 1 p.m. Sunday. It’s the first match between Duke and IU.

“Our main strategy is our game,” Griswold said. “To play IU hockey.”

— Stephanie Kuzydym