The last time the Penn field hockey team faced off against Delaware was in 2004. On its way to an Ivy League Championship, the Quakers pulled off a 2-1 thriller against the then 14th-ranked Blue Hens.
Three years after Penn's historic season, it once again has its sights set on an upset. The Quakers (5-5) travel to Newark, Del. tonight to take on the Blue Hens (9-4).
Although Delaware started off the season with a 7-0 streak, it has struggled as of late, losing four of its last six games. Previously clinging to the 18th spot in the Division I coaches' poll, the Blue Hens dropped off the list this week after a bad loss to Northeastern (6-7) last Friday.
On the other hand, the Quakers have won five of their last six and seem to have momentum going into the game tonight, especially after a weekend sweep of Lock Haven and Bucknell that brought them to .500 for the season. Penn is hoping to take advantage of a floundering Delaware team.
"We're trying to make a statement to the league and to other teams," senior midfielder and captain Meghan Rose said.
The team is excited to take advantage of this opportunity, and as Rose notes, an upset would be huge to "boost the team's confidence, especially with Ivy play coming in the next couple of weeks."
To accomplish this, the Quakers will have to shut down Delaware's aggressive offense, which is led by Casey Howard and Tori Karsten. The two have a combined total of 37 points this season.
Penn's defense stepped up over the weekend, but coach Val Cloud said it has to play even better against the Blue Hens.
"We have to give up less corners," coach Cloud said. "Our defense as a unit has to play well."
Penn allowed 12 corners despite winning 2-0 at Bucknell and also gave away six on Friday against Lock Haven.
This will be the first time some of the Quakers face Delaware, but Rose is not worried.
"Our assistant coach [Megan McGuin] played at Delaware so she'll have great insight in how they play."
McGuin has been keeping an eye on the Blue Hens this season and Cloud is confident that they have done their homework to prepare for the game.
The Quakers are ready to make a statement tonight.
According to Cloud, "Whoever comes ready to play will win."
The question is if Delaware is ready.
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