When the Ball State University field hockey team takes the field Saturday against Indiana University, it will be facing a very familiar foe.
"We play IU every year," coach Annette Payne said. "So we know them well. But they know as much of us as we know of them."
Not only does Ball State play the Hoosiers every year, but the two teams scrimmaged each other in preseason. Indiana outscored Ball State 5-4 under modified rules. Junior forward Casey Hunsicker said the experience helped enlighten the Cardinals to Indiana's strategy.
"It definitely helps that we've played them and we know what to expect," Hunsicker said. "I think it's important to go with what we already know."
Last season the Hoosiers came into the game ranked No. 10 in the country. Ball State had ten shots on goal to Indiana's nine and kept the game tied at one before falling 2-1.
Senior midfielder Jamie Kahn said Indiana brings out the best in Ball State.
"We're really prepared against IU," Kahn said. "We always have great games against them."
The Cardinals are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. The team has allowed 78 shots in its last three games. Even in the team's season-opening win, Villanova University outshot Ball State 25-13.
Kahn said she credits the team's defensive play with keeping the Cardinals close in many of their games thus far despite the large shot disparity.
"They're really stepping up to the challenge," Kahn said. "They're relatively keeping the goals down."
The pressure faced by Ball State's defense is further illustrated by the play of sophomore goalkeeper Tiffany Shifflett. The first-year starter is on pace to break the school record for saves this season and, at 58, leads the Mid-American Conference in saves through five games.
"Tiffany's doing great," Payne said.
Payne said the Cardinals must play smart to defeat Indiana. The Hoosiers scored eight goals in a win against Saint Louis University Sunday.
"They're going to come ready to compete like they do every year," Payne said. "The smartest team that plays the smartest hockey will come away happy."
Hunsicker said the team will work on its pressure defense to keep the Hoosiers out of Ball State's zone.
"The main thing defensively is to work on our press," Hunsicker said. "To come up with the ball is the key."
Payne said the best way to turn some of the team's recent losses into wins is quite simple.
"We need to play better as a team," Payne said
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