Field Hockey Hoosiers Face Off in Cream & Crimson Scrimmage

Friday, August 17

Bloomington, IN

1 PM

Indiana University

Cream & Crimson Scrimmage

Field Hockey Hoosiers Face Off in Cream & Crimson Scrimmage

8/17/2018 8:55:00 PM | Field Hockey

Quotes

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Hoosier freshmen flew around the turf during Friday's Cream & Crimson scrimmage at the IU Field Hockey Complex.

Indiana's Crimson team took the win in regulation, 2-1. The Cream team sealed overtime in the 90^th minute, a goal with 27 seconds left in the frame. But on both sides of the field, the IU freshman class provided every finishing touch.

Hailey Couch opened the game in the 29^th minute with her second goal of the week. Peyton Becker tied the contest in the 47^th minute and Megan Mahlandt delivered Crimson's game-winner into the boards with seven minutes to play.

Mahlandt found another in the overtime period, on an entry pass from Becker, with 27 seconds left on the clock.

"It's very encouraging to have everyone out there, but it's huge to see the younger players step up and produce this early in the season," said head coach Amanda Janney Misselhorn. "Expectations for them will go up a little bit now because they're playing so well."

Two newcomers, Couch and Jes McGivern, got a run with the first team in the opening frame and hope to be day one starters in next Friday's home opener with Louisville. McGivern made a savvy play in the second half to keep Crimson ahead, making an interception in front of an open net.

"This class is coming in with big goals and a lot of good intentions, so having a strong mind and a lot of energy when we're out there on the field is making a big difference," said Couch. "We don't want to settle for anything less, and we want to make sure we're contributing to the team."

Another pair of young players, Shelby Querry and Sachi Ananias, made plays between the pipes on Friday afternoon. Although this isn't their first year with the team, both are providing quality play as the Hoosiers roll toward the regular season.

"It's a really strong goalie battle and that's exactly what we want," Janney Misslehorn said. "We have two young goalkeepers and they both have different strengths, so it's been great to see them play to those strengths."

The praise didn't fall entirely on the incoming class. The four-woman senior class is leading as they should with the help of Kelsey Giese and Andi Jackson, who are both coming into their own as juniors in new spots on the field.

Jackson slides from the flank into a new role in central midfield, which has improved the link-up play and communication on the field. Giese slides from midfield to the back line, but that won't hinder her chances upfield.

"Even when I play in the backfield, I'm going to go when I see an opportunity because I have that attacking mindset," Giese said. "It's nice to have players behind me that encourage me to go up into the circle, knowing that they have my back on the other end."

The Hoosiers are back in action tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET with a scrimmage against Ball State. This final test before the season opener will be tough, as they face a short turnaround after playing a full 90 minutes on Friday afternoon.