New Season, Fresh Start For Field Hockey

Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Turning the page to a fresh start.

The Central Michigan field hockey team will open the 2018 season this weekend with a pair of games at Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y. The Chippewas will take on the host Raiders on Friday and on Sunday will play Saint Louis. Both games begin at 11 a.m.

It is the first game for the Chippewas under first-year coach Catherine Ostoich, who has brought with her a fresh outlook and a shot of enthusiasm.

"The level of excitement is very high," said Ostoich, who was named to lead the program in January. "I think that the players have been eager ever since I got here. This team wants to do well. That has made going to practice fun."

FRESH START, FRESH TURF
Not only do the Chippewas have a new coach, but they also have what amounts to a brand-new playing surface at the CMU Field Hockey Complex.

A new underlayment and Astroturf playing surface was installed over the summer.

LOOKING FORWARD
The Chippewas finished 0-18 in 2017. Ostoich is, understandably, focusing on what's ahead and not behind.

"Our message is to work hard," she said. "At the end of the day, effort wins games. Believing is another area of focus. Believing in each other and believing that we are going places this fall. … We have to make the most of our opportunities and we have to work hard on and off the field."

No. 1 PRIORITY
Ostoich said her top goal since January has been, and will continue to be, physical fitness. She said that with the way the Chippewas plan to approach each game, strong legs and wind are essential.

"The way we want to play includes everyone pushing to attack, and then coming back to defend," Ostoich said. "I want nine out of the 10 people to attack and then get back on defense. Our definition of team is to do everything together. We're playing for each other.

"I'm always going to say you can be more fit. You can always get better. I give credit to these girls because they came back in shape. We're at a pretty good fitness level, when game time comes around I'm sure we'll identify areas where we can improve fitness, but I'm pretty happy with it."

MAC POLL
The Chippewas were picked to finish last in the MAC in the preseason poll of league coaches. Miami (Ohio), the defending regular-season and league tournament champion, was picked to win both titles again.

MOVING AHEAD
The Chippewas will play two games at La Salle on Sunday and Monday, Sept. 2-3, and then entertain Pacific on Thursday, Sept. 6 (3 p.m.) in their home opener. The Mid-American Conference opener is on Saturday, Sept. 15 (11 a.m.) at home against Longwood.

Central Michigan University Athletics

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