Field hockey defeats Ohio, win streak up to five

Three Hoosiers scored goals Saturday at the IU Field Hockey Complex to lead the field hockey team to its fifth straight win, defeating Ohio 3-1.

“It feels good to win,” IU Coach Amy Robertson said. “We grew during these games and are continuing to find ways to score.”

After falling to Ohio in triple overtime last season 2-1, the team was looking to change the results this time around.

Just three minutes and 35 seconds into the game, IU sophomore back/midfielder Karen Lorite scored the first goal off an unassisted shot from a rebound.

Lorite said she credits Saturday’s win to the team’s flexibility and ability to adjust quickly throughout the game.

After ending the first half without finding the back of the net again, IU junior forward Audra Heilman capitalized quickly in the second half, scoring at the 40-minute mark.

Ohio’s defense quickly adjusted and held the Hoosiers scoreless for 18 minutes until sophomore back/midfielder Sydney Supica connected with the back of the cage off a penalty corner.

After IU held Ohio scoreless the first 62 minutes of the game, Ohio senior Jessica Jue scored off a rebound to the left of the cage.

Olson said she believes good communication has been the key to the five-game winning streak.

“We’ve been sticking to the basics and have had good communication,” Olson said. “We made sure our low midfield players have been pulling back and been strong on defense.”

With Big Ten play starting on Sunday, Olson said the win streak has lifted spirits and provided the team with good experience.

“We are feeling good with these wins under our belt,” she said. “Everyone is anxious to get the Big Ten season started and get that level of competition back into our season.”

Robertson said she believes her defensive backfield this season is the best she has had in her 13 seasons of coaching at IU.

“We have a tremendous backfield,” Robertson said. “As long as we have them, we will always be fine.”

Follow reporter Dan Matney on Twitter @Dan_Matney.