Team opens season at IU Saturday
Amanda Papke
Field Hockey Head Coach Cristy Freese has a tough decision to make heading into Saturday’s opener.
She has yet to name a starting goalkeeper heading into the 1 p.m. game at Indiana.
Seniors Laura Plese and Kerri Krasnow are the favorites, but freshman newcomer Danielle Frank is also making a late push for the job.
Although the team is confident in each keeper, the lack of game experience could be obvious early on in the season. Before graduating in 2003, Janel Spero had started in 44 consecutive games for CMU.
“We lost Janel as MAC Player of the year, but Laura Plese and our other two goalkeepers did an awesome job at our scrimmage against Michigan State," said junior Kristy Reed. "Naming a starter is going to be a tough thing to do.”
CMU tied Michigan State 2-2 in a preseason scrimmage Saturday.
“I thought the defense played well individually and as a unit,” Freese said. “On offense we need to work on getting the shot off quicker.”
But when it comes to the goalie position, Freese is not tipping her hand.
“We found out that all of our goalkeepers can play at this level,” she said, refusing to name a starter.
After finishing last season 14-7 overall and 7-3 in the MAC, the expectations will be higher heading into the 2003 campaign.
“Our number one goal is to approach every game like it's the same,” said senior co-captain Tarah Trottier. “That will help us when we get into the MAC and it is going to start with Indiana. We need to go in there ready to win.”
The Chippewas could have their hands full with an experienced Hoosiers team. IU returns ten letter winners from a 6-13 squad. Indiana also has a quick forward line, which could present a problem for the Chippewas inexperienced defense.
“Everyone's fast at this level,” Freese said. “Typically, Indiana is a very tough team defensively, so we have to just come out and play hard.”
The Hoosiers are led by senior forward Erica Nilsson, who had five goals and 11 points last season. IU finished last in the Big Ten in 2002.
There are also a few keys to finding Saturday success, Freese said.
“We need everyone to play good defense all-around the field. It is not just about being in the right position, it's about making a jab or disrupting the other team.”
Freese also does not want to give up any scoring opportunities.
“Our free hits have to be quality, we can't just give the ball up right away,” Freese said. “Also, our goalkeepers have to limit any rebounds that could be turned into second chance scoring opportunities.”
After a summer filled with long, hot practices, the team is ready to start the season.
“It's nice to finally get out and play after practicing so hard all summer,” Trottier said. “When we're in practice, we know what we can do, but it will be nice to get out and kick butt against other teams.”
On the offensive side of the ball, CMU will have the luxury of a returning All-MAC midfielder in Reed. She scored 13 goals and had 27 points last season and returns as the MAC's leading goal scorer.
Reed does not feel any pressure to duplicate her performance from last season.
“I have a lot of great offensive players around me, so I am looking to set them up to score,” she said.
One of the biggest off-season moves was moving senior Katie Coccia from midfield to center back. Coccia, a co-captain, volunteered for the position after Jeanette Spero graduated.
“Katie has worked very hard and has a great attitude,” Freese said. “We are not missing anything.”
Coccia is ready for her new role.
“I am excited to see a change,” she said. “Last year, Jeanette was really offensive and hopefully I will be able to fill that role.”
