By Andrew Hornback
The No. 13 ranked University of Louisville field hockey team will open its season Saturday with a rematch from last year with No. 12 Duke University at Trager Stadium. Duke prevailed last year 2-0 on a neutral field, but another year of experience for the young Cards and home field advantage has the team optimistic.
While senior co-captain Lauren Schaefer called it the most important non-conference game on the schedule, the coaching staff sees it as just another game.
“A win would be a great way to start, and would definitely give a confidence boost to the team, but a loss wouldn’t make or break the season,” Abbey Heird, assistant coach, said.
The remainder of the season will also be challenging for the Cards, as they will face preseason No. 4 University of Connecticut and No. 5 University of Iowa in back-to-back games, as well as No. 7 James Madison University, No. 15 Ohio University, No. 18 University of Virginia, and No. 20 Providence College; but the team remains confident.
Schaefer said she doesn’t feel any added pressure from the schedule.
“In the Spring we all got on the same page in terms of our goals and playing techniques, and we all realize that we share the responsibility to perform as a team,” Schaefer said.
Sophomore co-captain and mid fielder Nicole Youman, who along with Schaefer was a unanimous selection to the All-Big East Preseason Team, is confident that she will be able to improve from a very impressive freshman campaign.
“I’m more settled in now with going to school and playing another country and feel like I can do bigger, better things,” Youman said. “Besides, Coach (Pam) Bustin wouldn’t let any of us slack off.”
If the Cards do manage to win the Big East, they will be a step closer to playing on their home field in the NCAA Field Hockey Final Four, which will be hosted at Trager Stadium. Coach Heird is aware of the possibility of home field advantage in the Final Four, and said that it would provide additional motivation for the team to make it there.
“They will absolutely more motivated to get there, but shouldn’t feel any additional pressure,” Heird said. “There are a lot of new faces on the team and we have to take it one step at a time.”
One of the “new faces” Heird noted that could have a breakout season is sophomore Tuli Lim, who started 18 games last season, recording seven points on three goals and one assist.
“Tuli has worked hard all Summer, and is emerging as a leader,” Heird said.
Youman and the rest of the team feel confident in their ability.
“We have a lot of potential this year, even though we are a young team,” Youman said. “Winning the Big East is the goal, but we know we have to work hard to get there.”
