The Penn State field hockey team is preparing a little differently this year for its match-up with Lafayette.
After managing a 1-0 win in the game last season, the No. 13 Nittany Lions (5-4) are ready to face a tough Lafayette team (6-3) when they meet at 6 tonight at AstroTurf field.
Senior goalkeeper Jen Beaumont said the game against the Leopards last season was the Penn State's most overlooked, as Lafayette gave the team a great contest, and it was a reality check for the rest of the season.
"It was a heartfelt game last year," junior midfielder Amy Bonenberger said. "We can't forget that we still have to treat them like any other team on our schedule."
Bonenberger also said the Lions came out on their heels and underestimated their opponents play in last year's game. Although the team came out with the win, the Lions said Lafayette was a feisty team.
Penn State is prepared for that this year, saying the Leopards will come out with a lot of energy and drive. Bonenberger said Lafayette is going to be aggressive and strong in all aspects of its game, which is exactly what it did last season.
"This is a big game on their schedule," junior midfielder Bethany Marvel said. "Penn State, for them, is circled on their calendars. This is an exciting game for them, and they are going to come ready to play."
In order to counter the Leopards' aggressiveness, Marvel said Penn State just needs to stick to its game plan. She said the Lions need to work on their passing from the backfield up to the attack and then improve on shooting within the 25-yard line.
Beaumont agreed, saying the Lions need to execute on scoring drives. She said the team can work on shooting and scoring constantly in practice, but unless they "get the ball in the net" during a game, it doesn't matter.
"I think we're just going to stick with our Ohio State game plan," Beaumont said. "We have to come out aggressive, score, get into a groove and just hold down on defense."
The Lions are looking to match Lafayette's aggressiveness on the field tonight. Bonenberger said as long as the team communicates with each other, everyone will be energized, which will help them on their attack.
"We have done really well playing with a competitive attitude in all aspects of our game," Marvel said Monday. "If we do that again on Wednesday, I think we will achieve another victory."
