F. Hockey aiming for upset in Virginia

Where were you on Oct. 10, 1999? If you are a Penn field hockey fan, you witnessed one of the most memorable games for this year's Quakers senior class.

The Quakers shocked the field hockey world, snapping a six-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over powerhouse William and Mary.

"It was a huge win," Penn senior co-captain Nikki Battiste said. "The momentum of our team was awesome."

Two years later, the Red and Blue are winless after three games and are looking to use that memorable game to inspire them to upset nationally ranked William and Mary (4-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Williamsburg, Va.

"It gives us a bit of confidence against a tough team," Battiste said.

Last year the Tribe finished 12-8 overall, was ranked nationally all season (finishing at No. 12, with a high ranking of No. 9), and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

Even without five starters from last season, William and Mary remains a force to be reckoned with.

The Tribe's forward rotation includes star junior Ann Ekberg, who leads the team in goals (five), while the midfield is led by senior co-captain Jessica Jiao, who leads the team in assists (four).

One positive for the Quakers is that the game will be William and Mary's second of the weekend. The Tribe is scheduled to play Duke on Saturday at 12:00 pm.

With back-to-back games on tap, fatigue may be a factor in Sunday's match against Penn.

More rest, however, will not be enough for the Red and Blue. In order to win, Battiste said the Quakers need to "anticipate rather than react" and stick to their game.

"We have what it takes," the senior said. "We just need to pull together. Everyone needs to do their parts."

According to sophomore Emily Fox, Penn coach Val Cloud emphasized quickness and speed in practice and told the team to "get out there first" and to "play a full game."

Also, the offense will need to stay in the circle longer if the Red and Blue want to pull off the upset.

"To be able to win against William and Mary is huge," Battiste said. "We have done it before, and we can do it again."

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