F. Hockey rivalries have unusual history

Rivalries often provide athletes, coaches and fans alike with some wonderful memories. This can definitely be said about the existing rivalries between the 14th-ranked Penn field hockey team and its next two opponents: Ivy League foe Cornell tomorrow (10:00 a.m., Franklin Field) and the 10th-ranked Nittany Lions of Penn State at home Tuesday. The Quakers (7-1-1, 1-0-1 Ivy League) will be on campus during Fall Break, instead of taking the unusually lengthy trips to Cornell and Penn State, which have in the past provided the team with some of its more humorous anecdotes. Both games were played on the road last season. Both were adventurous. Getting off the bus prior to the Cornell game last season, one unfortunate ex-Quaker smacked her head on the bus door. She missed the game because she was busy getting her head repaired. It got worse before it got better. Famed Quaker inspirational leader "Gary" failed to show up for the game. Nevertheless, Penn managed to win the game, protecting its undefeated Ivy League record. This year should be more of the same. Cornell (4-5-1, 0-2) is struggling to find its form this season despite having the league's second leading scorer in Cari Hills. On the other hand, the Quakers, who have not lost in six outings, are on fire, and have the league's leading scorer in senior midfielder Amy Pine. "We are playing fantastic hockey right now," Penn coach Anne Sage said. "We're very confident, and it shows on the field. Cornell is always tough. It's an Ivy contest, so you can't take anything for granted. We are probably the stronger team, but you can never assume anything in hockey." You certainly can never assume your opponent will roll out the welcome mat when you visit its stadium. "They wouldn't let us off the bus at Penn State last year," senior defender Alicia Crawley said. "Their football team was practicing on a field near our bus and [Penn State football coach] Joe Paterno just doesn't let anyone near his practices. "So they kept us on the bus. Sage tried to get off, but she got yelled at. It was all pretty funny." The real story? The Quakers travelled to Happy Valley just days after the Penn State-Michigan tilt in football. The Big Ten rivals trampled the natural grass field, leaving a mud bowl. Naturally, Paterno was forced to move his practices to a new facility. Unfortunately, he chose one all too close to the visitors' parking lot. So the Quakers were forced to sit patiently until Paterno's practice ended. Once the game was finally under way, the Quakers played brilliantly against the then-No. 1 Nittany Lions. "It was one of our best games of the season," senior defender Rani Bajwa said. "We just never gave up, and we played until the end." Despite their yeoman-like effort, the Quakers were drubbed by the powerful Nittany Lions, 5-1. After Penn opened the scoring, Penn State reeled off five consecutive goals en route to its victory. "It was a tough loss," Bajwa said. "But it was a great game. We knew we could play with them, and we did, even though we lost by four goals. It was a great game for us, because we knew they were scared to play us. One of their players had said so. We were ready for them, but they outplayed us." Both teams recognize the scenario might alter slightly on the Franklin Field carpeting Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Two years ago, Penn State won 1-0 at Franklin Field on a controversial goal. "Penn has always given us a great game," Penn State coach Char Morret said. "Franklin Field is probably one of the places we dislike playing the most. It has never been kind to Penn State field hockey. We realize that Penn has a strong team. They are always well coached, and it should be thrilling to watch. They really know how to play hockey." Apparently, both teams possess this know-how. Tuesday's contest presents an exquisite match-up of the No. 10 and No. 14 teams in the nation. The winner of this game will certainly ascend in the national rankings. "We're excited for this one," Sage said. "It's the national spotlight. Penn State is a great team, and it should be just a great game." Unless, of course, "Gary" doesn't show.