Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Northwestern
No. 7 Hoosiers Down Northwestern, 3-1
10/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 8, 2005
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The No. 7 Indiana field hockey team improved its record to 11-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the Big Ten after Saturday's 3-1 win over Northwestern in Mellencamp Pavilion. Led by senior Kayla Bashore's two goals, the Hoosiers increased their win streak to eight games and defeated the Wildcats for the first time in program history.
"I think we made a really good adjustment in the second half," Indiana head coach Amy Robertson said. "Northwestern played a really good game. They were all over us in the first half, and we really didn't have our rhythm yet. At the half, I told the team we need to start playing our hockey, start moving for each other and stop giving up so many opportunities defensively, and we did just that in the second half. It was a completely different game the second half. Even though we only scored one goal, we played a much better game."
The Hoosiers got out to the early lead when Bashore converted senior Mallory Reabold's blocked shot into a goal in the 16th minute. Almost eight minutes later, junior Rachel Telian found sophomore Kate O'Connell for the game's second score and O'Connell's third goal this season. Minutes before the half Northwestern stepped up the pressure to draw a penalty corner in the 31st minute. Christina Foley turned that into the Wildcats' only score of the day.
Despite holding the 2-1 lead, the Hoosiers played with increased motivation and aggressiveness in the second half. Bashore netted her 10th goal of the season in the 47th minute after she was left wide open in the circle for the score. Defensively, sophomore goalkeeper Haley Exner recorded eight saves, while junior Morgan Miller and sophomore Erin Isler made impressive defensive contributions.
"Even though we scored two goals in the first half, we definitely played our game the second half," Bashore said. "I think we were taken aback by Northwestern's aggressiveness at first. So far, they have been the most aggressive team we have faced this season."
The Hoosiers look to increase their undefeated home win streak on Tuesday, Oct. 11, when the always tough Louisville Cardinals come to town. Game time is slated for 4 p.m. in Mellencamp Pavilion.
