The NIU field hockey team saw firsthand Saturday what it hopes to become in the near future.

Old Dominion, the defending national champion, taught NIU a lesson or two in the season opener with a 10-0 victory at Norfolk, Va.

Carolin Bruns, Maaike Hilbrand and Laura Knorr led the offensive attack with two goals each, while Pam Neiss added a goal and three assists for the Monarchs.

The key factor of the game was something a lot of coaches in any sport have to deal with at the beginning of a season. “We were simply out of shape out there,” NIU coach Laurie Bell said.

One Huskie who may have been in the best of shape was freshman goalkeeper Gretchen Splinter. Although she allowed all 10 goals, she also played big in her collegiate debut by stopping 16 shots off the sticks of the experienced Monarchs.

“I was really pleased with Gretchen’s performance,” Bell said. “She played well for a freshman.”

Also getting high marks from Bell were junior midfielder/defensive back Kristina Hahn and freshman defensive back Jen Wilds. “Both Tina and Jen gave us the effort I want to see from the girls,” the sixth-year coach said.

Bell said the girls were not down after the game and they now see where they are headed. “We have a lot of work to do,” she said, “especially getting back in shape.

“But playing an Old Dominion is good for them early. You have to play the best to be the best.”

NIU (0-1) will meet Penn State at noon Monday in Norfolk. The Nittany Lions finished fourth in last year’s NCAA tournament and are a threat again this year. “We expect them to be exactly the same as Old Dominion,” she said.

After Penn St., NIU will resume play this weekend at Miami (Ohio) on Friday and at Ball State on Saturday.