Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Hockey Practice Report
10/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 19, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As the No. 13 Indiana field hockey team is set to take on its final two opponents of the regular season in Michigan State and Penn State, several Hoosiers talked to IUHOOSIERS.com about their final two games and the post season. IU heads into the weekend's contest against the Spartans with a 13-3 overall record and a 3-1 mark in the Big Ten.
Junior midfielder Amanda Oyler
On Michigan State:
"Michigan State is always a good team. They have a lot of really good, experienced players. We know they are having a rough year record wise, but they are a good team. We have to be ready for them because they are strong just like all of the other teams in the Big Ten."
On what has been the focus in practice this week:
"Our main focus is to move past the loss to Michigan and keep going after our goal - to win a Big Ten title. We need to stick to the fundamentals and concentrate on working as a unit."
Sophomore back Danitra Castro
On the importance of the next two Big Ten games:
"These next two games are really important because we will be able to take away a lot from these games heading into the tournament. We need to play some of our best hockey to put us in the right position for the Big Ten Tournament. We want to use these games to gain momentum for the post season."
On Michigan State:
"I know they are a good team, and they will press hard up top. It will be fun."
On what the team took away from the loss to Michigan:
"I think we took away a lot of humility and determination. Obviously, the game did not go our way, but it fired us up for the Big Ten Tournament."
Junior forward Kate O'Connell
On Michigan State:
"Michigan State has some very good players who move around the field very well. They are going to be good. They are always good. Michigan State is a fast team."
On what the team has worked on this week:
"We have worked on a lot of corners this week. Offensively, we are focusing on cutting and getting into the right position to move the ball down the field."
Sophomore goalkeeper Jobi Manson
On the importance of the next two conference games:
"The next two games are essential. We have to win them. Our goal of winning the Big Ten title is still very much alive, and in order to achieve that, we must come out on top these next two games. Both Michigan State and Penn State are tough teams."
On junior goalkeeper Haley Exner:
"Haley is so important to this defense. She communicates and organizes the defense, which make her so effective. Haley had a great game against Northeastern last weekend. She had a great week of practice, and she is having another one this week. As a goalkeeper, mental preparation is key. Haley shows up to play every game and has worked hard to put this team in the position we are in."
