Field hockey earning more respect

By Matt Hoffman The Review

September 11, 2007

Newark, DE (CSTV U-WIRE) -- The early success of Delaware's field hockey team - recently ranked No. 17 in the nation - is no fluke.

With a convincing 4-0 win over then-No. 13 Ohio State University and a nail-biting 1-0 victory over quality opponent Richmond University, the Hens have proved they are capable of dominating teams and holding on in tight, low-scoring games.

The Hens continued their winning ways this weekend with a 4-0 victory over Rutgers University Friday and a 4-2 win over Bucknell University on Saturday.

When Bucknell made a push in the second half to narrow the Hens lead to 3-2, Delaware stayed cool on a day when the sun was blistering hot. After a brief timeout, the Hens regained control and sealed the deal with a fourth goal finishing the game 4-2.

With an impressive 6-0 start, Delaware looks to continue its hot streak on Sept. 12 against Monmouth University.

The Hens also received recognition earlier in the season as senior Molly Burke, co-captains senior Amanda Warrington and junior Casey Howard were named to the Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association first team.

Burke was also CAA Player of the Week for Aug. 26, while Howard was named the Wilmington Trust Best of the Blue Hens Athlete of the Week on Sept. 2.

Warrington said it is important to know the team can play with the best teams around.

"We've been trying to prove to the nation that we are one of the better teams," she said.

Warrington said a reason for their success is the bench and how everyone cheers on the starters to play their best.

"Our bench is the deepest it's been since I've been here," she said. "We push ourselves because we know we have to fight for our position."

Head coach Carol Miller said the team was motivated to improve over the offseason and will be better than last year. She said she attributes most of the success to the 17 members of the bench who push the starting 11 players during games.

Howard said the reason for the Hens' early success goes back to the preseason and over the summer when they worked hard to improve their game.

"In the preseason, as a team, we formed goals to make the top-20 in the nation," Howard said. "We already accomplished that, we are ranked 17th. Hopefully we can stay there." The Hens have stepped up their goals, as they hope to have an undefeated conference record and to become conference champions, Howard said.

Warrington said one of the reasons for their success is that the team is the closest they have been to those goals since she has attended Delaware.

With the CAA games quickly approaching, Miller said she is still trying to fine tune the Hens' game so the team can reach its fullest potential.

"We've had many opportunities, but we haven't been taking advantage of them," Miller said. "We need to get corners and get balance in our offensive circle."

CAA rivals Old Dominion University, James Madison University and The College of William & Mary will be the biggest games of the season, Warrington said.

"They are all powerhouses; all of them are so important," she said. "You have to get up for every game, if not, you are going to lose."

All of the CAA teams are rivals when playing against each other, but they are friends when they play other schools outside of the conference, Miller said. It is always good to see a CAA team do well because it makes the conference look better.

The team is able to play better when they are relaxed and enjoying each others company, Warrington said. The Hens are able to have fun and work hard at the same time because of how well they get along with each other.

"Everyone works hard for one another," she said. "You know that if you come off, someone will be replacing you who is just as good."

This attitude seems to stem right from the coach who shares similar views as the team's captains.

With Delaware's recent success, teams certainly look to take them down, Howard said. Only two teams in the CAA have a higher national ranking, meaning the Hens have to get used to being the favorite.

"I like being the underdog," she said. "But it's nice having people nervous to play you."