1. Junior Kelsey Giese looks impressive and has the potential for a breakout year
After scoring two goals in the first half of the preseason opener against Saint Louis, Giese nearly made it three on Friday with an impressive showing in IU’s intrasquad scrimmage.
Nevertheless, the junior midfielder’s performance in the first two matches should serve as comfort for Coach Amanda Janney Misselhorn and her squad. Giese is coming off of a season where she finished with 10 points on four goals and two assists playing a more forward generated position.
This year, Giese will transition to a centre mid role, controlling more aspects of the game. After playing big roles as a freshman and sophomore, Janney Misselhorn will now look to Giese in more of a leadership role while also relying on her for a strong impressive offensive season.
“I don’t think I was very shy freshman or sophomore year. Now, my role has changed like being a centre back and being more of a leader on the field and more of a director,” Giese said. “I’m excited for my junior year. I think we have a good team and it’s a new year so I’m excited to get into some games.
Playing in the Big Ten Conference is no easy task, but Giese has the numbers, talent and confidence to follow up a great sophomore season with a potential breakout season in the Big Ten.
2. IU freshmen look legit and ready to go
After the IU Seniors looked for a spark in Friday’s Cream and Crimson Scrimmage, the freshmen certainly answered the bell.
Freshman Hailey Couch picked up right where she left off after scoring against Saint Louis on Tuesday, netting another goal in the first half Friday.
Freshmen Peyton Becker and Megan Mahlandt, who scored twice, also added goals for the Hoosiers in the second half and in overtime.
Along with their goal scoring, the freshmen for the Hoosiers played a majority of the 90-minute game, a far cry from the more common rotations seen against Saint Louis on Tuesday. Mahlandt and Couch played a lot of first team minutes for the Crimson squad and used their speed to an advantage as well as their ability to finish in the circle.
“I think we’re having a lot of good play from freshmen," Giese said. "They’ve been good sparks on the field and they don’t play like freshmen. They’ve really been integrating with our team.”
Freshmen for the Hoosiers appear to be ready to pick up big minutes and make a sizeable impact for IU at the beginning of the season. The play of Couch, Mahlandt and the rest of the first year players could have a great deal of importance on the success of the Hoosiers.
3. The goalie battle is one to keep an eye on
For the first time in her tenure at Indiana, Janney Misselhorn will have to decide on the goalie she plans on using in net. Freshmen Sachi Ananias and Shelby Querry are now battling it out for the starting spot since Katie Johnson graduated in May.
Friday gave no indication to Janney Misselhorn’s preference or even the predicted starting keeper, but both were impressive for a majority of the contest.
Ananias had more chances for saves and was at the forefront of many penalty corners, keeping many shots away.
There is a potential IU fans may see both keepers throughout the first weeks of the season, but the third preseason match may be crucial in deciding the starting netminder for week one.
