2008 Woodie Awards
Ready for revenge
Bloomsburg field hockey packs in Kutztown, then packs bags for Boston and another crack at IUP in NCAA semifinals
Joe Arleth
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: sports
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With a 2-0 victory over Kutztwon, the Bloomsburg Huskies are now heading towards Beantown for a semi-final mathcup against their now rival IUP Crimson Hawks.
This will be the 4th contest between these two teams this season, as a storied history has formed between the two programs. This match-up will prove to be the biggest thus far, as each team will be competing on the national stage for a shot at the NCAA title.
On September 11, IUP stunned the Huskies with a 5-1 victory that ended Bloomsburg's historic 28 game winning streak.
When the two teams faced off again on October 6th, the Huskies were much more prepared for their opponent, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead. With first place in the PSAC hanging in the balance, the Crimson Hawks rallied to tie the game late in the second half before stealing a victory with a goal in the final minute of regulation.
Hoping the third time would be the charm, the Huskies again prepared to battle IUP. This time around, the PSAC championship was on the line. Clearly familiar with each other's tendencies from their past match-ups, the teams collided in a class confrontation that could not be settled in regulation.
With the score tied at 4-4, the PSAC title was to be decided in sudden death overtime. The Huskies were able to get off four shots in the extra period, but it was the Crimson Hawks who once again were able to find a way to win, scoring in the 82nd minute to clinch the championship.
As the stakes continue to rise, each game has become more competitive and more intense. The Huskies must prove that they truly haven't shown IUP their "A game" as offensive leader Jamie Vanartsdalen suggested last week. The Crimson Hawks have to defeat the odds and defeat the explosive Bloomsburg squad for a 4th time this season.
While the Crimson Hawks can proudly boast their PSAC Championship, it's important to remember that the defending NCAA Champion is still alive and kicking in this tournament. For all their victories over the Huskies in the regular season and PSAC playoffs, defeating the Champions on a national stage is a completely different story.