UConn field hockey to take on Louisville in another conference game

The UConn field hockey team will travel to Louisville this weekend to play their fourth conference game of the season against the Cardinals.

Louisville, with an overall record of 7-5, is coming off a two game losing streak and will be ready for a win on their home field.

“Louisville plays well at their field, so we will need to bring our best game. Conference games on the road are always a special challenge,” head coach Nancy Stevens said. “We are focused on the things that make our team difficult to beat: sound defense, good midfield play, break away attacking threats and a potent penalty corner.” Louisville should also take note that Chloe Hunnable was recognized as the Big East offensive player of the week for two consecutive weeks in a row, proving that the Huskies offense is a powerhouse.

“Any time a player receives recognition it brings recognition to our program,” Stevens said. “Chloe realizes that her teammates make her look good.”

Collaboration and dedication is the key factor to UConn’s outstanding success this season.

With the second half of the season well underway, the Huskies hope to maintain their faultless record. To improve their skills, the team has been working on enhancing defensive and offensive penalty corners.

“We work to make corner practice a competition,” Stevens said. “This helps prepare the team for the pressures they encounter in a game.”

These intense game situation practices have been paying off for the Huskies. Recently the team advanced from the No. 5 spot to be ranked No. 3 in the NCAA Division I league. Clinching this spot allowed the team to surpass their tough competitors Princeton and Maryland. Not only does this change in ranking put excess pressure on the team, but it also motivates them that much more to succeed.

“I think it works both ways,” Stevens said. “The target on our back keeps getting bigger and opponents would love to take us down. A good national ranking represents a lot of hard work, which prepares the team for the challenges ahead.”

Last year, the Huskies beat the Cardinals 4-2 during the season and defeated them in the Big East Championship 3-2. But in 2010, UConn was defeated 3-2 by Louisville in double overtime. Despite the Cardinals’ inconsistency this year, they still remain a top competitor that shouldn’t be taken lightly. UConn will be challenged this weekend in hopes to maintain their top national ranking.