A must-win, and a probably-won't-win

As the Penn field hockey team prepares for tonight's game against Yale, the same feelings come to mind as did last season: This one is a must win.

"This is an Ivy game and it is imperative that we win this one," Quakers coach Val Cloud said.

Just like last year, the Quakers (6-7, 2-2 Ivy) enter their game against the Bulldogs in the middle of the Ivy League with a 2-2 record. A win will keep title hopes alive, while a loss will make a championship next to impossible.

Last year Penn defeated Yale 3-2 and finished tied for second in the Ivy League.

This time around Penn is coming off a 1-0 loss against Columbia and a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Drexel.

In the Columbia game in particular, the Quakers suffered a devastating blow, losing in overtime after a controversial goal.

"I hope the loss is more incentive to be ready to play on Friday night," Cloud said. "It was just one situation where we lost a game."

Yale won't be the only team the Quakers face this weekend. The Red and Blue will also meet No. 11 Duke on Sunday in Newark, Del.

However, the heavily favored Devils are not the team's priority.

"The way I look at Duke is you know we are not expected to win, so we play the best we can and whatever comes of it comes," Cloud said. "That is how upsets happen."

With no star, the Quakers have had to rely on a host of different players to get the job done.

"We have different people coming up at different games," Cloud said. "Someone might be a star one game and a different person a different game."

This is a strength but also a weakness of the team. While the group can expect anyone to score a goal, they don't have anyone to rely on in tight situations.

"The team is focused on the whole team," Cloud said. "We normally play very well together, and the girls are very supportive of each other."

The main strength of the Quakers is the team's ability to put the ball in the net using different routes.

"We get goals from all ways," Cloud said. "Whether it is direct corners, indirect corners or field play - it makes it exciting."

With the end of the season approaching, the Red and Blue are aware of the need for a win to get their overall record back to .500.

"We only have four remaining games: Three are Ivy games and then Duke, which is a nationally ranked team," Cloud said. "We have a tough schedule coming up and we have to rise to the occasion."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.