After leaning heavily on three seniors last year, the primary issue surrounding the Ball State University field hockey team entering the 2007 season is getting increased production out of its players.
Last season the Cardinals' three-pronged attack of Carla Chiampi, Tara Reed and 2006 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Lindsay Quay combined to record 60 points, tallying 25 goals and 10 assists. They were also the only three Cardinals to record double-digit scoring seasons.
Most importantly, the trio was responsible for a dramatic mid-season turnaround that took the Cardinals from the cellar of the MAC to the conference title game.
Though the three players are gone, Cardinals' coach Annette Payne said she has confidence in the players that will be on the field during the 2007 campaign.
"It's important to recognize that teams aren't the same as last season," Payne said. "Across the board, we've got great experience. We've got all the leadership that's necessary."
Payne said one of the players that will be expected to produce the most is senior forward Katie Kloeckener. Kloeckener is the Cardinals' leading returning scorer and the only remaining player to start every game in 2006.
Besides her, Kloeckener said the Cardinals also have a strong core of seniors and talented underclassmen that will help fill the void left by the three graduated stars.
"We're looking to replace them in any way we can," she said.
Before the late-season rally, the Cardinals' 2006 campaign was headed toward a disappointing finish. Mostly due to a tough schedule and lack of offense, the Cardinals started the year 2-9 and 0-2 in MAC play. In seven of Ball State's losses it either scored one goal or got shutout.
However, a 2-1 overtime victory over Central Michigan University started a hot streak in which the Cardinals won seven of nine matches. That streak propelled Ball State to the MAC Tournament title game, where it dropped a spirited 2-1 overtime match to Ohio University.
"Some teams looked at us as underdogs and might have thought we got lucky to reach the final game," Kloeckener said. "We don't mind playing that role at all."
Payne is quick to note there will be a difference between the perspective Ball State opponents had on the Cardinals last year compared to the one they will have this season. Despite the losses to graduation, Payne said she believes her team is likely to be among the favorites to reach the title game again.
However, she said her team will have to pay attention to detail if they want to take the last step toward a championship.
"We're not going to get back just because we want to," Payne said. "We'll need to dot our I's and cross our T's to succeed."
Kloeckener also has confidence in her team's chances of getting to the 2007 MAC Championship Game.
"[Our opponents] should be afraid of us." Kloeckener said with a laugh.
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