Head coach Annette Payne will lead the Ball State University field hockey team against her alma mater Iowa today.
Payne, a four-year letter winner for Iowa from 1994 to 1997, said she is focused on the team’s success.
“I’m more focused on team,” Payne said. “It’s about the team going up there and having two days of competition.”
Ball State (0-2) will play at 3 p.m. today against the Hawkeyes in Iowa City, Iowa. The Cardinals will also play at 1 p.m. Saturday against Providence.
The golf teams are also in Iowa City this weekend, and Ball State played Iowa in football last weekend.
This is second time that Payne has led the Cardinals against her former team. The Hawkeyes beat Ball State 2-0 in 2003, Payne’s first season as head coach.
The Cards have had two weeks of practice after not competing last weekend. Ball State opened its season by losing to William & Mary (4-1) and Virginia (7-1).
The time off has been beneficial and has allowed the Cardinals to work on different things in practice, Payne said.
“We’ve been working on just a lot of detail, which was a good opportunity for us,” she said. “We’re going out there to compete and put together the things we’ve been working on.”
Senior Chantelle Isaac-Smith and junior Lindsay Quay each have one goal for the Cards this season. Tara Reed has the Cards lone assist.
Iowa (3-2) has won its last three games following a pair of home defeats at its new Grant Stadium. The Hawkeyes hold an 18-2 advantage all-time over Ball State.
Providence (2-2) is led by sophomore Abby Maguire’s four goals and nine points. Freshman Stephanie Scavelli, the Friars starting goalkeeper, has 30 saves and a 2.95 goals against average.
Payne said the Cards are facing two quality opponents.
“I think were going out to play two good teams,” she said. “I’m hoping the girls show up for both games and play smart hockey.”
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