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Field hockey stumbles against James Madison
By Jim Gleitman
Assistant Sports Editor

After knocking off the defending champions and going toe-to-toe with the U.S. National squad, the field hockey team found a bump-in-the-road to prominence.

The Deacs suffered a 2-1 loss to James Madison University on Sept. 8 in a solid performance that lacked execution.

Wake Forest dominated the first half of play, out-shooting James Madison 10-3, but it was the Dukes who drew blood first.

With under a minute to play, sophomore Veerle Goudsward pushed a pass to junior Janelle Perlis, who found an open net giving the Dukes a 1-0 lead heading into the locker room.

"Psychologically you want to say we were ready but I definitely sensed a little lull in our whole approach," coach Jen Averill said. We need to do a better job of preparing for each match like it is the national team."

The second half would prove to be similar for the Deacs as their scoring frustration continued. "We got nipped in the backside with frustration. I think frustration got the better of us," Averill said. "I don’t think JMU beat us I think Wake beat itself."

Twenty - four minutes into the second half, Perlis struck again, this time redirecting a Goudsward shot into the net to put the Dukes ahead, 2-0. However, the Deacs would not be shut out on this day as just seven minutes later senior Maria Whitehead found junior Emily Ruth, to cut the lead to 2-1.

Though they registered 17 shots and 14 penalty corners against the Duke defense, the Deacs would be unable to score again.

"We made some mistakes that JMU capitalized on.Overall, we played a good game, we just couldn’t put the ball in the net," sophomore Kelly Doton said. "Those games happen, and losses happen. I think we just need (Friday’s game against louisville) to come, so we can get back on the field and show everyone the real Wake."

The loss might appear troubling for this young squad, but in fact, players and staff members alike are pleased with the current level of play.

"If there is anything a loss will do is really motivate you to work harder," Averill said. "You don’t like it sometimes, but it is really motivating for the coaching staff to see what areas can be improved upon and cleaned up. "

After a strong week of practice the Deacs are excited to get back on the field and prove they are a powerhouse to be reckoned with.

Wake Forest travels to Louisville to take on the Cardinals this week and when asked about the match-up, Averill was optimistic.

"I think it is awesome. It appears our team is getting up and playing for the strong opponents," Averill said. "Louisville has certainly made themselves notable and I think that is encouraging for our team because we know they are a good squad and we are going to have to be playing very well ourselves to be successful against them."

There is no question in the players’ minds that this team is capable of being unbeatable. For some, Sept. 13 cannot come soon enough, and the chance to display the potential which lies underneath that 1-2 record is raising the level of enthusiasm."I think there were a lot of people questioning themselves and the capability of the team because we aren’t used to losing," Doton said.

"I think everyone is eager to get back out on the field and prove that the team that showed up at JMU isn’t the true Wake team and I think we all know that"

The Deacs are set to take on the Cardinal at 3 p.m. on Sept. 13 and Delaware at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.