The Penn women's lacrosse team is taking a different approach to preparing for tonight's game against No. 3 Johns Hopkins (6-0).
"We're focusing on ourselves -- our plays, not their plays," senior midfielder Emily Cochran said.
The Quakers (5-3, 1-1 Ivy) haven't watched any tapes of the Blue Jays this week or simulated their defense or attack during practice.
"It's subconsciously intimidating to be just focusing on them instead of us," Cochran said.
The team hopes this will help restore some of its confidence that took a hit after Saturday's loss to No. 16 Cornell.
Although Hopkins is undefeated, its schedule hasn't been as challenging as the one the Quakers have played.
The Blue Jays have only faced one ranked opponent so far this season, Princeton, while Penn has faced four. In those games, the Quakers have gone 2-2.
Hopkins "just hasn't been challenged yet," senior attacker Ali Ryan said.
Coach Karin Brower says she's approaching tonight's game as an opportunity for key experience.
"Our goal here is to win the Ivies, to make the tournament," Brower said. "You need to play the best to do that."
Although the Red and Blue has just been focusing on its game, it does have a Hopkins player to look out for.
Junior Mary Key is averaging seven points per game -- four goals and three assists -- and has netted over 200 career goals.
"She's tough, she's going to score every game," Brower said. "She's going to score" today.
Although Key is a threat, the game can't be won by just one person and Brower is hoping the team can shut out many of the other Hopkins players.
"We've got to play solid defense and be ready to" double-team, Brower said.
Another key to the game, she added, is stopping the Blue Jays' fast break, which is something that has enabled Hopkins to score quick points all season.
The team has also worked out some communication problems with the midfield.
"We talked to the middies about their role in the trap and they understand that now," Brower said.
This may be a make-or-break game for the Quakers in their quest for an NCAA bid.
"If we win this game ... it will erase all the other losses we've had," Ryan said.
There will be a change in the starting lineup tonight, although Brower wouldn't comment on specifically which players this would involve.
"It makes kids fight a little harder and shows they have to produce," she said.
The Quakers are looking to channel their recent frustration against Cornell into playing a better game tonight, and Brower believes her team can produce a positive result.
"I think they're ready for another win," she said.
