Field Hockey Hopes to Overcome Both Northeastern and Astroturf

Throughout its season, the Harvard field hockey team has managed to bounce back after tough losses. Today, when it faces No. 9 Northeastern, Harvard hopes recent history holds true.

The Crimson (6-8, 2-3 Ivy) enters today's game after a 3-0 loss to No. 5 Princeton on Saturday.

"Everyone's taken time to think about it," said junior Judy Collins. "It's over. There's nothing we can do about it. We just have to go out and play [today]."

The Crimson leaves the grass of Cumnock Field for the Northeastern astroturf. To prepare for the turf game, Harvard practiced on the Boston College turf both yesterday and Monday.

"We've had two good practices," Collins said. "We know how to play on turf."

Harvard must win today's game to stay in consideration for a postseason berth.

"Northeastern is supposed to be pretty physical," Collins said. "They're really fast all-around."

Harvard's speed should equalize conditions, though.

The Crimson showed it could contend with a ranked team when it edged No. 15 Boston College 3-2, last Wednesday. Harvard also knocked off 10th-ranked Providence on Oct. 13 in one of its most stellar performances this season.

Now, Harvard needs a similar flourish to close out the season. The Crimson must win its last two games, against No. 18 Dartmouth on Saturday and against Brown on Nov. 8.

The Crimson offense needs to generate more shots than it did against Princeton. Tiger goalie Gia Fruscione had to stop just three shots in Saturday's game.

Further progress on converting penalty corners would aid the Crimson.

"We usually have pretty good corners in practice. It's just in games that we have trouble executing," Collins said.

At the other end, the defense must return to its dominating style. Harvard allowed an uncharacteristic 20 shots against the Tigers, with sophomore Anya Cowan making 17 saves.

Throughout the season, though, at least one thing has remained constant.

"Everyone's attitude has been good all year," Collins said.

Now, the team hopes its resiliency will reap dividends.

FIELD HOCKEY

Record: (6-8), (2-3 Ivy)

Coach: Sue Caples

Captain: Amy DiMarzio, Beck Stringer

Key Returnees: Junior Judy Collins, sophomore Anya Cowan, Katie Schoolwerth