The Lions are coming! The Lions are coming! And they’re out to get the Minutewomen.
Penn State, riding on a five-game winning streak, is traveling to Massachusetts to face the Minutewomen on their home grass.
Massachusetts packs a statuesque lineup, and as a result does not have the speed possessed by the Lady Lions.
“UMass is traditionally not a fast team,” Coach Char Morett said. “So we have to rely on our speed and quickness, and that is what is going to win the game for us.”
Penn State has played mostly on turf this season, and has grown used to that style of ball play. UMass’ field surface is grass, but the Lady Lions have risen to the occasion when forced to play on grass.
“I think that we played our best game on grass,” Morett said. “I think we will adjust, and do fine. I don’t think it will present a problem. ”
Penalty corners have become a big part of the Lady Lions scoring, and Morett plans to add a little variety due to the grass surface.
“We have a few options that we are planning to use,” Morett said. “I think that we will be able to use a few of them.”
In the event of bad weather, the game may be transfered to a different field, which is covered with turf. The Lady Lions, however, do not feel that the surface will have a lot to do with the game, co-captain Jen Stewart said.
— by Jim Woods