By Zack Daly, QBSN Staff Writer

The Bobcats field hockey team plays host to the Hawks of Monmouth university, the team that eliminated them from the NEC tournament last season. Quinnipiac comes into the game with an 8-4 record and a 1-0 record in conference. The Bobcats have won four straight games, their longest streak of the season.

Despite being the preseason favorite to win the conference, Monmouth has struggled this season, coming in with a 2-11 record and a 0-1 record in the conference. Even with the lopsided record, Monmouth is a dangerous team with a lot of talent.

Keys to the Game

1. Control the tempo- Quinnipiac and Monmouth are teams with similar styles of play. QU needs to bring the attack to the Hawks and force Monmouth to play its game. Quinnipiac needs to make Monmouth play with them, and not let Monmouth control the game.

2.  The back line-Monmouth is returning two NEC first team forwards in Michelle Pieczynski and Trish O’Dwyer. Monmouth has a very potent attack, which has the capability to score in bunches. The back three for the Bobcats need to stay strong and help out their keeper, Nicole Lewis.

3.. Don’t get psyched out- This is arguably the biggest home game for the Bobcats all season. The Bobcats need to stay relaxed and play under control. If they remain calm and don’t let the moment get too big for them, they could get revenge on the team that ended their season last year.

Quinnipiac Bobcats

Goals: Jess Rusin – 7 Jennalise Taylor – 7

Assists: Jess Rusin – 6

Points: Jess Rusin – 20

Save Percentage: Nicole Lewis – .797

Goals Against Avg.: Nicole Lewis – 1.46

Monmouth Hawks

Goals: Michelle Pieczynski – 8

Assists: Tara Brown – 5

Points: Michelle Pieczynski – 18

Save Percentage: Teresa Mathews – .605

Goals Against Avg.: – 3.77