MSU field hockey coach Michele Madison wants to celebrate her homecoming with a tourney sweep.
A native of Philadelphia, Madison spent four years as head coach of the Temple field hockey team before leaving to take over the reigns at MSU in 1992.
This weekend, the Spartans travel to Pennsylvania for the Temple Invitational, and Madison returns to the field she last saw in 1999.
Depending on how MSU fares in its first game, it has a chance to meet up with Madison's former squad on Sunday, but Madison refuses to look any further than the Spartan's first-round opponent, North Carolina.
After a weekend of action against Kent State, Madison said she's had a chance to re-evaluate things to focus on for the Tar Heels.
"Kent State was a challenge, but our team started to show good competitive character. They kept growing and growing stronger throughout the game," she said. "We do need to work on speeding up the games and our off-ball passes. We're still working every day."
The four-time national champion Tar Heels certainly are a formidable opponent. North Carolina brought home national championships in 1989, 1995, 1996 and 1997, while finishing in the runner-up spot on six occasions. Last season, the Tar Heels missed out on an NCAA Tournament bid last year for the first time since 1983 and are eager to erase the sour taste the previous season left.
North Carolina came out of the gates strong this season, rolling over MSU's arch rival U-M 4-0 in Ann Arbor on Sunday, snapping a 12-game home winning streak for the Wolverines at Ocker Field. Four different Tar Heels tallied strikes during the match.
On Monday, North Carolina completed the Big 10/ACC Tournament Challenge by downing Iowa in a 3-1 battle.
After observing the Tar Heels over the weekend, Madison said they bring a total package to the game.
"I'm glad we're playing well and glad we play them at a neutral site," she said. "They play really fast, very skilled and have a very strong right side. They also have great goaltending.
"We have to make sure to come out with all pistons on fire."
In addition to upending one of the country's powerhouses, Alexandra Kyser said winning the game, which is slated for the senior back's 21st birthday, would be an added bonus.
"I'm super excited to play UNC this weekend," she said. "(A win) would be a great way to celebrate my birthday."
MSU senior midfield Theresa Pusateri added her squad had devoted the week's work to practicing according to North Carolina's style in hopes of gaining some insight.
"We need to work on making our movements quicker and more precise," said Kyser. "I think we have more work to do to get ready than we thought.
"We have a big advantage though because we've seen them play twice already this year."
