Six seniors to make final home appearance
Patrick SillerThe last weekend of the regular season always is emotional for the field hockey team's five seniors.
But it means a little more for senior Amanda Lucik.
The team hosts Ball State at 1 p.m. Saturday and No. 10 ranked Michigan State at noon Sunday at the CMU Field Hockey Complex.
Sunday will pit Lucik against her sister, MSU's Angie Lucik.
"When I play against my sister, it is just like playing against any other opponent," Amanda Lucik said. "I mean, we mess around with each other out there and talk a little trash, but it is just like playing any other opponent. But there is just a little more emotion involved in it."
Since this is Lucik's final chance to play against her sister, coach Cristy Freese will line her up opposite her sister to begin the match.
"I think it will be a fun contest," said senior Moyra Betuzzi. "We are excited to play against Michigan State; having Amanda's sister on the other team will just make the game fun."
There certainly is not a shortage of support for the girls during the game.
"Everyone will be there - Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa - they are all going to be there," Lucik said.
Amanda Lucik is one of six seniors who will make their final appearance at home against the Spartans.
"I want to beat Michigan State - that would be great to leave my senior year on that note," Lucik said. "Especially beating my sister the last time that I played against her."
With Sunday's game against MSU being senior day, Freese knows it is an emotional day for her players.
"There will be crying," she said. "But you really just have to gather back up because the first five minutes of our game is going to be really important."
The Chippewas also face BSU this weekend. Lucik thinks this game is even more important than the game against the Spartans.
"It is such a big game for us to win and stay above .500 in the MAC," Lucik said. "We know how much this game could mean, and of course beating a MAC team is what we want to do."
The team defeated the Cardinals 3-1 on Oct. 11. Since then, the team's starting lineup has completely changed.
That gives the Chippewas (6-10 overall, 5-4 MAC) an edge, Lucik said.
"They will definitely study our film and come at us," Lucik said. "In the first game, I scored two goals in like the first six minutes, but now I am playing right back and if they try to mark me at that spot, I won't be there."
Through all the emotions from this weekend, the team, especially the seniors, will work extra hard to earn success.
"I definitely think emotions will be high this weekend," Lucik said. "Us five on the field want this game more than anyone out there. The other girls on our team have another year or so at this and we don't. Our emotions are going to be out there, and we are going to work as hard as we can."
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