Lantern file photo
OSU senior forward Berta Queralt smiles during a Sept. 9 game against Miami (Ohio) in Columbus. OSU lost, 2-1.
The women of the field hockey team have high expectations for this season. With its record of 10-9 last season, the team hopes to win a lot more by coming together and playing as a unit.
Coach Anne Wilkinson said she has seen a lot of improvement since last season with the overall cohesiveness of the team.
“They really came together through the spring, the summer, and are starting off more as a unit this year than we did last year,” Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson has upperclassmen that know the game well and are strong competitors for the group. She is confident they can ultimately win the Big Ten title.
Co-captains, senior midfielders Nora Murer and Arielle Cowie agreed the team has grown stronger since last season.
Murer said all the players, including the freshmen and players with less experience, have stepped up and they fit well within the team.
Cowie said she has noticed a different mentality in this team that she did not see last season, which has brought a lot of positivity to the field.
“There is a lot of optimism,” Cowie said. “I think we all want to fight for each other and that is all I can ask for.”
The co-captains are excited to start the season and continue to have their expectations grow as players develop throughout the season.
Sophomore forward Peanut Johnson also said during preseason the team really connected, and she wants her teammates to continue that bond.
In the team’s preseason scrimmage last Thursday the Buckeyes defeated Miami 3-0. They plan to use their strong team mentality for their upcoming games.
The Buckeyes will travel this weekend to Philadelphia to compete in the Conference Cup. They are set to play Temple on Saturday and either Maryland or New Hampshire on Sunday. Their home opener game is scheduled for Sept. 6 against Missouri State at Buckeye Varsity Field.
