Field Hockey Craves Revenge Against B.U.

For sophomore Dominique Kalil, revenge against B.U. today is important. As to the reason why...well, she'd rather forget about that.

"We were left in the dust," said Kalil of the Harvard field hockey team's 8-1 loss to B.U. last year. "It was horrible, my worst experience ever in field hockey."

Last year, the Crimson traveled to B.U.-which plays on artificial turf-in the rain.

"We were slipping all over the turf," Kalil said.

Playing on the grass of Cumnock Field this year gives Harvard (2-4, 1-1 Ivy) an edge over B.U., which must adjust to the pace of a grass short corner. Further aiding Harvard is the increased chance that the rusher will reach the ball first.

The Crimson has also enjoyed defensive consistency.

"We've had great defense thus far," said senior Amy DiMarzio, a co-captain. "We're seeing fewer shots and fewer penalty corners."

Additionally, the forwards have made a greater commitment to defense.

"They keep the pressure on when we get the ball in the offensive circle," said junior Sally Romano.

Harvard, though, must reinvigorate its offense. Despite dominating its last two games, the Crimson has dropped both by identical 1-0 scores.

"We'll learn a lot about ourselves [today]," DiMarzio said. "I believe we're fighters. Dominating just isn't good enough. We have to put it away.

"We're very skilled, yet we're not making the connection. We've had plenty of opportunities. Some element is missing."

Trying to remedy this, the team has modified several positions for today's game. Junior Penny Fairbairn will take the initial hit out instead of DiMarzio.

The team will also play sophomore Katie Schoolwerth and Romano as the first and second hitters off the stick stops, respectively. Previously Schoolwerth was second and Romano first.

The team has also practiced converting penalty corners extensively.

"We've had a lack of execution on penalty corners," Romano said. "Things have been breaking down on one portion or another."

Harvard needs to play its preferred two-touch style and utilize its speed today against B.U., another fast team.

"B.U. is very quick," Kalil said. "They have exquisite passing combinations like you wouldn't believe."

Nevertheless, Kalil is optimistic.

"I bet we can outrun them," she said. "If we get to 50-50 balls and if our passing combinations work, we'll definitely beat them.

"We looked really good in practice today. We had a demoralizing last week, but now everyone's ready.