Hoosiers Win 3-2 In Opening Scrimmage at Miami University (Ohio)

Wednesday, August 19

Oxford, OH

1:00 PM

Indiana University

Miami University (OH) (Exhibition)

Hoosiers Win 3-2 In Opening Scrimmage at Miami University (Ohio)

8/19/2015 3:04:00 PM | Field Hockey

Goals from Barber, Latino and Dye highlight IU's scrimmage win

OXFORD, Ohio - The Hoosiers opened their 2015 preseason schedule on a high note, winning 3-2 over the Miami University (Ohio) Redhawks. Hoosiers Kate Barber, Maddie Latino, and Morgan Dye scored one goal apiece in Indiana's exhibition win.

The format for Wednesday's scrimmage differed from a traditional field hockey game. Rather than playing two 35-minute halves, the teams agreed to play four periods lasting 17:30 each, dividing the game into four quarters. Following the allotted regulation time, the teams took part in an overtime period separate from the 70 minutes of regulation, followed by a penalty shootout. The goal for today's scrimmage wasn't to determine a winner; rather, both sides wanted experience with each game scenario played at full speed against a genuine opponent.

The Hoosiers were off to the races in the first quarter of play. Barber slotted an unassisted goal with six minutes remaining on the clock. Latino doubled the tally with a goal at the cusp of the first quarter, courtesy of an assist by Rachel Stauffer. The Hoosiers took an early 2-0 lead into the second quarter.

Morgan Dye grabbed the Hoosiers' third goal as the half was coming to a close, with Barber receiving credit for the assist. Indiana held a 3-0 lead at halftime thanks to timely execution on offense and airtight play in the defensive third.

Neither side managed to score a goal in the third period, but play opened up in the final 17 minutes of regulation. Miami leapt onto the scoreboard three minutes into the fourth quarter with a goal from Geagy Pritchard. Miami grabbed their second score in the last minute of regulation from Mariona Heras. Indiana held on for the win, 3-2, at the end of the 70 minutes.

Following the regulation period, the teams agreed to simulate an overtime period, dropping to seven-on-seven play. Both defenses held their lines and refused every attacking opportunity, and the overtime period ended 0-0.

The teams went to a penalty shootout, as they would in a scoreless overtime period. Indiana edged Miami 3-0 in penalty shootouts for the overtime win in addition to winning the game outright. Indiana's penalty scorers were Barber, Stauffer, and Taylor Pearson. Freshman goalkeeper Noëlle Rother converted an astounding six saves in the penalty shootout.

The Hoosiers will follow that scrimmage with the Cream & Crimson Scrimmage, an intrasquad scrimmage that will take place at the IU Field Hockey Complex. The scrimmage will commence on Friday, August 21 at 4:00 pm ET, and will feature two teams composed entirely of Indiana Field Hockey players. Admission is free and open to the public.