RAMS HEAD NORTH TO FACE #11 DREXEL, HOFSTRA
10-2-09

RICHMOND, Va. – The 6-2 Virginia Commonwealth University Field Hockey team is eying a big weekend of Colonial Athletic Association action, as the Rams look to throw their hat into the conference tournament ring.  

VCU will meet 11th-ranked Drexel Friday in Philadelphia, Pa. at 7 p.m., then slide over to Long Island for a match with Hofstra Sunday at 1 p.m.

Alison Bilbo recently sat down with Rams’ Head Coach Kelly McQuade to check on the squad’s progress.

AB: You guys had an up-and-down last weekend, beating Towson and losing to Delaware in overtime, what were your overall thoughts on your play?

KM: I think that this weekend was a good building block for our season.  Unfortunately, we came out on the losing side of a very well matched, good hockey game on Friday.  But the ability to bounce back and put together a phenomenal game on Sunday is a huge positive to take away from the weekend.  Our girls are predominantly young, but are already showing the maturity and mental toughness of a veteran squad. 

AB: We've talked a ton about the freshman and young girls on the team, but senior Rachel Krumm (pictured, right) stepped up with two goals Sunday against Towson. How important is your veteran leadership?

KM: Leadership is great to have on any level, but when our seniors are getting their jobs done it trickles down.  Our upperclassmen are setting a great example for our freshmen and helping us to build a foundation for the future of VCU Field Hockey.  Our senior leadership is especially meaningful to me because I have watched these four girls develop through trying times into great hockey players.

Q: How important was it to get a conference win in your first weekend of CAA action, how does it help set the tone for the rest of the conference slate?

KM: A CAA win is a huge confidence boost for us.  The preseason poll was a bit hard on us and I think our girls are out to prove them wrong.  Our conference is exceptionally strong so a win is always good to get.  This year is anyone's year to get the title and the first weekend of scores is evidence of that.  I'm excited for more CAA play!

Q: You've mentioned before about Drexel being off a good start. What challenges will they give you on Friday night?

KM: Drexel is going to be a good match up for us.  As long as we are mentally focused and show up ready to play, this is going to be a great game.  They have strength in their attack so our defense and midfield will have to be strong.  Our attackers will need to exploit Drexel's backfield and make them commit turnovers.

Q: Hofstra seems to be one of those teams that hangs around and won't go away, how important is it to get off to a fast start against them on Sunday?

KM: Momentum will be huge for us, we will need to strike first and continue to stay on them for the entire game.  They have good skill and will be another challenging game to wrap up the weekend.

Q: And your final question... give us a player that you feel is having a great week of practice and is set for a big weekend coming up?

KM: Rachel Krumm.  She has been playing so well this year and her two goals last weekend have lit a fire under her!  She is a vocal player who leads by example and has the ability to carry our team to the top of the CAA.