Spring Break
The Daily OrangeIn preparation for Big East tournament, SU field hockey turns to assistant coach to simulate Providence's play
By Tony Olivero
Posted: 11/5/09, 1:04 AM EST Section: Sports
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At times, the Syracuse assistant field hockey coach felt the need to embark from his spot on the sidelines of Coyne Field. Instead of standing idly by, Cathro walked out onto the Astroturf, picked up a field hockey stick, and ran up and down with the team. It's an atypical teaching tool for the native of Scotland.
But it's one that's necessary for Cathro to undertake, in head coach Ange Bradley's mind.
The reason being, Cathro's supreme speed, in comparison with any of the players on Syracuse's team, is a perfect simulation for the unique offensive attack No. 1 seeded SU will face against No. 4 seed Providence. The No. 5 ranked Orange (16-2, 6-0 Big East) will take on the Friars (10-9, 3-3) in the semifinals of the Big East tournament Saturday at 11 a.m. in Providence, R.I.
"We normally have Guy or (assistant coach) Lynn (Farquhar) coaching the scout team," Bradley said following Tuesday's practice. "We put Guy in there a lot, too, because his speed is so fast. We use it to mimic some of the players that we will see."
This week Cathro has been trying to simulate the particular style of one player within the Friars unique offensive attack, Nellie Poulin. The senior forward, who leads Providence with 14 goals on the year, is the one Friar in the back of the Orange's collective mind.
If they can stop her this weekend, the Orange will most likely win. If they don't, they will be in a dog-fight on Providence's home turf against a Friars team that features seven seniors. Seven players in their final year, including Poulin, who don't want this to be their last game.
Syracuse has already stopped Poulin and the Friar attack once before. In the first meeting between the two teams this year, on Sept. 26, SU held Poulin to only one shot.
"We did really well against her," said senior Tracy Deitrick, who scored the game-winning goal against the Friars. "We started out great, moving the ball, and they couldn't keep up with it. We just have to keep that mentality. We can't have any dips."
The entire back line had to keep an eye on the center forward from Providence all afternoon, including junior back Maggie Befort. Befort does acknowledge, though, that one SU player in particular was integral in keeping Poulin in check. The player Bradley has continuously referred to as the fastest player for Syracuse, junior back Kim Coyle.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
jennifer
posted 11/10/09 @ 11:18 PM EST
Scout team? Cool.........can scout team players graduate to the REAL team?
I wonder.......not!
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