By John Tessmer

Coming into the season, the women’s field hockey team is looking forward to being official members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association [MIAA] Div. II conference.

“The transition has been interesting seeing all the changes, but it is exciting now that we are finally in the NCAA,” said senior defender Lynsey Porter.

The team is excited for the challenge of facing a new level of competition.

“We are all looking forward to competing at a higher level,” Porter said.

With an NCAA program, there are more regulations the coaching staff must follow, along with tougher recruiting.

“We are raising the bar in terms of the talent we are bringing in,” said Head Coach Sarah Johnson.

The team has brought in ten freshmen from seven different states.

“We have great returners that have stuck out the transitional period and have brought in some great recruits for this year already,” Johnson said. “Another major difficulty was setting the tone for returns as the team transitions. There are more expectations, but the upperclassmen have done a great job adapting and taking on a challenge.

“Everyone came to campus ready to go which made the preseason much smoother for the whole team. We can’t wait to start games.”

After going 2-13 in 2011, the ladies look forward to a better 2012. The team beat the Bellarmine University Knights 3-2 in double overtime in the season opener.

The first home game is Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. against Hendrix College.