Spring Break
Kleinhands lifts field hockey past No. 6 Penn State
Chris Brodeur
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Sports
Kleinhans' absence throughout the week created a leadership void on the defensive end, making it vital for newcomers to step up. Freshman Rayell Heistand got her second consecutive start in the backfield and provided intensity and steady defensive play, grabbing the attention of her coach.
"She plays like a senior," Stevens said. "We're very fortunate that Rayell has come up so big for us. It's a big transition from the high school game to the college game, and her poise on the ball is exceptional for someone of her age."
The Huskies hit the road for the first time this week, with visits to Yale and UMass scheduled for Wednesday and Friday before they return home Sunday to host Princeton. It isn't the first time the team has endured a grueling travel week and if past results are any indication, UConn will be up for the challenge.
"Players would rather play than practice," Stevens said. "We did it at this time last year - we played Yale, we flew out and played Michigan and Old Dominion and we won all three. With the depth that we have, we can play three games in one week."
"She plays like a senior," Stevens said. "We're very fortunate that Rayell has come up so big for us. It's a big transition from the high school game to the college game, and her poise on the ball is exceptional for someone of her age."
The Huskies hit the road for the first time this week, with visits to Yale and UMass scheduled for Wednesday and Friday before they return home Sunday to host Princeton. It isn't the first time the team has endured a grueling travel week and if past results are any indication, UConn will be up for the challenge.
"Players would rather play than practice," Stevens said. "We did it at this time last year - we played Yale, we flew out and played Michigan and Old Dominion and we won all three. With the depth that we have, we can play three games in one week."
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