HAMDEN, C.T.- Coming off a tough 4-2 loss to Boston University on Friday, Quinnipiac field hockey took to home turf for the second time this season, taking on the undefeated Columbia Lions. The game proved not to be easy sledding for either team, as both defenses did their best to clamp down.
However, the Bobcats came out on top, 3-2.
This game held extra importance for the team, as it was Youth Day, having the Cheshire High School field hockey team present at the game.
“Having this environment around this team is fantastic,” head coach Nina Klein said. “Super grateful for the support today, it made a lot of a difference.”
The Bobcats controlled possession early, even getting an early penalty corner chance, but it was the Lions that struck first. Columbia senior forward Sophia Abate got the ball past Quinnipiac senior goalie Cristina Torres.
The chance for the Bobcats did eventually materialize, as a heads-up pass from sophomore midfielder Francisca Eschoyez to first-year forward Rozemarijn Van Keulen tied the game back up at 1-1. She wasn’t done, though, as in the third quarter she took a pass from junior defender Katie Shanahan to her second goal of the game, fourth on the season, and the lead for Quinnipiac.
“I think the team played the rushes very well,” Van Keulen said post-game, “I think we find each other well.”
The Bobcats didn’t slouch on defense either, with Columbia awarded a total of five penalty corners in the game, and not converting on any of them. The secret for the Bobcats was stellar defensive play and a handful of big stops from Torres.
“I’m just super proud of them,” Klein said. “I think they’re going to prove to be top of the nation when it comes to shutting down attacking penalty corner options.”
With seven and a half minutes to go in the game, senior midfielder Mo Quaile won another scrappy possession battle and found Eschoyez for her fifth goal of the season in six games. Strong defensive play from the Bobcats seemed to indicate that their chances of victory were solid.
The chance became more risky with just over three minutes left in the game, Columbia first-year forward Izzy Kaczor chipped a ball over Torres, and the Lions brought the lead back down to just one. After the goal, the Lions pulled their goalie, meaning for the remaining time, Columbia would be working with an extra attacker.
With two minutes to go, a series of lengthy video reviews from the officials, as well as a challenge from both teams, slowed the game.
“Today I was actually super grateful for the video referrals,” Klein said when asked, “It was taking the momentum and steam out of the game.”
Despite two close scares with penalty corners, the Bobcats didn’t allow Columbia to score again, and would hold on until the final buzzer at 3-2.
After the win, the team’s eyes looked forward to their first Big East game of the season, against a tough Liberty team.
“I think this week we just focus on the things we need to get better on,” junior midfielder Lauren Keyte said on the upcoming game, “We obviously have a tough weekend coming up heading into Big East play.”
Quinnipiac field hockey will be back in action at the Quinnipiac Field Hockey Stadium on Sept. 19, as they open Big East play against Liberty. The game is set for 1 p.m.
