Fresh off a win against Utah State in the opening round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament, the Lady Tigers are headed to Stillwater, Okla., to face the Maryland Terrapins of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Coach Karen Hoppa said in order for the Tigers to come away with a win, they will need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, something the team struggled with Saturday against Utah State despite winning 2-1.
"We had a lot of looks tonight (against Utah) that we didn't finish," Hoppa said. "You won't get that many looks against Maryland."
Hoppa said she anticipates possession to change quickly and often against the Terrapins.
"It is going to be a back and forth game," Hoppa said. "Defense has to get good pressure on the ball so that if we lose it we can get it right back."
Hoppa said the plan is to keep Friday's game physical while staying under the foul radar.
"Maryland's front five players are outstanding," Hoppa said. "To be successful we need to play a physical game. We don't want to foul out, but Maryland's strength is attack, so we've got to be dominant if we are going to succeed."
Senior midfielder Katy Frierson said playing the entire field and being aggressive on every defensive series will be integral to an Auburn victory.
"The offense has to get through 11 players to get a goal," Frierson said. "So we have to remember that, in a way, we all have to be defending. Maryland is a team full of dynamic personalities, and they can score goals with flare. It is crucial to defend well. We need to put pressure all over the field."
Frierson said winning the SEC Championship and the first round of the NCAAs provided a huge boost of confidence for the team.
"We are starting to believe we can win these games," Frierson said. "And in a tournament where you lose one game and you're out, that belief is crucial."
A victory against Maryland will advance the Tigers to the Sweet 16 and pit them against the winner of Illinois vs. Oklahoma State.
The Auburn vs. Maryland match will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
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