Field Hockey Hosts Homecoming Double

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana's regular season has whittled down to the final two weekends. The Hoosiers' final home double of the year brings both No. 3 Michigan and Michigan State to the IU Field Hockey Complex for the first time since 2014. It also ensures an exciting field hockey slate for Indiana University's homecoming weekend, where Maddie Latino (9 goals) and the Hoosiers defend their 4-1 home record.

That begins with the Hoosiers' toughest home test in two years, as the No. 3 Wolverines test the Big Ten's only unbeaten conference record on the road. Both games will stream live via BTN Plus on BTN2Go.com.

"Every game is a battle that makes us better for the postseason, so we're excited to play tough competition this weekend," said Indiana head coach Amanda Janney. "Michigan and Michigan State bring different styles, but whatever happens will help us grow for the tournament. We're excited about the new two-weekend format, so we know despite the results the team is getting better and we hope to start the peak at the end of October."

Corner Hits:
Good to be Home
Indiana began this three-game home stretch last weekend with a 3-2 win over Ohio, their non-conference finale. A high-flying attack gave the Hoosiers three goals in the first half to rebound after last Friday's loss at No. 10 Northwestern. Taylor Swope got the Hoosiers started with a drive inside to score, and Kelsey Giese hammered home an assist from Claire Woods. Ciara Girouard flicked the game-winner into the high netting on a penalty stroke.

Keeping Options Open
The Hoosiers have found creative output from several sources over the last two weeks, as seven different players entered the scoring ledger over four games. Indiana earned assists from four different angles as well, led by a pair from Kelsey Giese.

Battle with Big Ten's Best
The Hoosiers host the hottest hand in the Big Ten on Friday afternoon when they play No. 3 Michigan, currently unbeaten in conference play. The contest is Indiana's fifth this season against a top-10 team and the Wolverines are the highest-ranked opponent to visit the IU Field Hockey Complex since Oct. 11, 2015 (No. 1 Syracuse).

"We're communicating a lot more with each other because we know they're going to be quick on their switches," goalkeeper Katie Johnson commented on the challenge ahead. "I'm excited to play such a dynamic forward line that puts us to the test."

The Wolverines hold the series lead, 15-4, but Indiana won last year's encounter 1-0 at Ocker Field. The Hoosiers have only beaten Michigan once at home, in 2008 (2-1).

Facing the Spartans
The Hoosiers and Spartans meet on turf for the 22nd time on Sunday morning, with the last three games coming down to a one goal difference.

Michigan State leads the all-time series, 18-3. Indiana won their last meeting in Bloomington, 2-1, in 2014.

Familiar Faces
On Friday, Indiana freshman Sofia Keen will play her first career game against the team she grew up watching, the Michigan Wolverines. The game will actually host a reunion with Keen and her former Pioneer high school teammate, Michigan freshman Maya Gompper.

"It's weird to be playing against the team I grew up rooting for," Keen said on the unique matchup. "I've known Maya since the first grade and we started playing field hockey together. This will be our first game playing against each other."

In Sunday's game with Michigan State, IU assistant coach Becky Stiles takes part in her first career game against her alma mater (2011-14).

Worth Noting...
• The Hoosiers rank 22nd nationally in earning offensive penalty corners (6.9/game, 5th Big Ten).
• Maddie Latino (9 – 4th) and Ciara Girouard (6 – 17th) rank top-20 in scoring amongst the Big Ten. Latino has four game-winning goals this season (t-2nd, Big Ten).
• Indiana University First Lady Laurie McRobbie will drop the ball as the Hoosiers' distinguished guest for Sunday's game against Michigan State.
• Next: Indiana wraps up their regular season with an away trip to face No. 25 Ohio State and a Senior Day game against No. 6 Penn State.

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Players Mentioned

Kelsey Giese

Ciara Girouard

Katie Johnson

Sofia Keen

Maddie Latino

Taylor Swope

Claire Woods