Field Hockey: Ohio State gears up for Big Ten Tournament opener against Rutgers

Thomas Beebe
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:56:11 +0000
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Ohio State senior forward Hallie Prost (right) battles for the ball against Iowa Oct. 27. The No.3 Buckeyes fell 3-0 to the No. 16 Hawkeyes. Credit: William Moody | Lantern Photographer

The Buckeyes are set to travel to College Park, Maryland, for their Big Ten Tournament opener.?

Coming off a 7-0 win Sunday against Central Michigan, the No. 7 Buckeyes (14-4, 4-4 Big Ten) are looking to continue their strong play on the road against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-8, 4-4 Big Ten) to open the Big Ten Tournament Thursday.?

The last time these two teams met, Rutgers came away victorious with a 1-0 win over Ohio State in Piscataway, New Jersey Oct. 20.

Despite the desire to get even with the Scarlet Knights, Buckeyes midfielder Anne Marie Krebs believes the team’s drive isn’t just about revenge, but also about playing the game to the best of its ability.?

“I think it’s almost a mix of both because, yes, we’re hungry for it, we know we can do it, but we also have to keep playing our game and play Ohio State field hockey the way we know how to,” Krebs said.

After struggling offensively versus Rutgers in their first matchup, Krebs believes this time around, the Buckeyes will find success in the midfield with their speed along on the perimeter.

“We’ve moved around our midfield a little bit just to try out new people at new places and see where we can find advantages,” Krebs said. “I think we’re going to be really successful when we’re able to shift their defense and really attack hard up the sides.”

Head coach Jarred Martin said he knows his team’s speed will be vital in taking down Rutgers. He also put emphasis on how the Buckeyes have seen this team before and the adjustments that have consequently been made.??

“This is truly going to be a test of who’s making adjustments and who’s executing those adjustments,” Martin said. “The game will favor the team that’s taking it to the other person and competing the whole time. These games and the teams involved are so close in our conference that if you back off for a phase or two, the other team is probably going to strike.”

Despite all the game-planning and preparation the Buckeyes have done ahead of the Big Ten Tournament, Krebs said she credits her fellow players’ trust in each other as the most important factor in helping them compete.

“It’s one of our core values. It’s something that if your team doesn’t have, it can’t be successful,” Krebs said. “I need to trust that my defense can get the ball off the field, and that if we do turn it over, that they’ll be back there, protecting the goal for us.”

The Buckeyes and Scarlet Knights face off Thursday at 11 a.m. in College Park, Maryland. The broadcast will be available on Big Ten Plus.