The field hockey team begins Atlantic 10 Conference play today when they take on Virginia Commonwealth University (8-2) at Geasey Field.

The Owls are coming into the game fresh off a 6-0 loss against No. 5 Maryland.

VCU is led by senior forward Kelsey Scherrer, who has nine goals and six assists so far this year.

Coach Amanda Janney said that an early start is cruicial for Temple for its match-up with the Rams.

“[VCU] brings a feisty, aggressive game and they have a lot of confidence, they have a winning record,” Janney said. “We need to really step up and set the tone early.”

Janney said that VCU’s two foreign players bring a different dimension to the game.

“[VCU] has a couple foreign-born players on their team, so brings a different dynamic that we don’t know much about them and we didn’t see them play in high school,” Janney said.

Janney said she wants her team playing to the level they are capable of, meaning sophomore Amber Youtz and freshman Alyssa Delp will have to step up on the frontline.

The two forwards have been the Owls’ main offense all year, and after being shut out against Maryland they are looking to for more goals.

Janney said that if the defense can slow down Scherrer and the Temple frontline can produce offense, her team has a good chance at coming out on top.

-Colin Tansits