After practice Tuesday, junior forward Shannon McCabe stood on familiar, and comforting, ground: the Bermuda grass on the Jayhawk soccer fields.

The short surface may appear rather insignificant, but it plays a crucial hand in the Jayhawks’ short, crisp passing game.

Following four straight road games, including two played on thicker-cut grass, the Bermuda surface was a soothing sight to McCabe and the Jayhawks.

“It’s more comfortable playing at home,” McCabe said. “Our fans are here. It’s our field, and we’re used to this surface. We’re able to play our game more.”

Kansas returns to the Jayhawk Soccer Complex to play Texas Tech on Friday and No. 15 Colorado on Sunday following a 2-2 road trip. And grass playing fields created a new challenge for the Jayhawks in their last two games — a 2-1 double-overtime loss to Nebraska and a 3-2 victory against Iowa State.

In an attempt to capitalize on long, lofting passes, both schools featured a slow-playing Bluegrass surface.

“That was a bit of a struggle for us this weekend,” coach Mark Francis said. “Getting back on our own surface, I know the girls are excited about that.”

It isn’t just the makeup of the grass, though, that makes playing on the road more difficult. Keeping up with homework and tests can be tricky. So, too, are flights and buses.

“It’s just a lot of time in the hotel,” McCabe said, “a lot of sitting and waiting around. It’s a good team bonding thing, but it’s also good to be home.”

For the first time since the first week of the season, Kansas enters a game unranked. The Jayhawks are 3-1 at home, having out-scored their opponents by six goals.

“At an away game they’re cheering against you,” McCabe said. “You look in the stands and don’t really see anyone you know. It’s nice to see familiar faces.”

And this weekend Kansas faces two quality Big 12 opponents. Texas Tech enters Friday’s contest at 6-3-1 and a 1-2 mark in conference play. Colorado arrives in Lawrence toting a nine-game unbeaten streak and 8-1-2 record.

For the Jayhawks, the home stand represents a return to normalcy.

“I know the girls are excited about not having to travel, sleeping in their own beds and not having to live out of their suitcases,” Francis said. “That’s why playing on the road is so tough.

“We’re excited to be back.”

— — Edited by Kelsey Hayes