Field hockey team sticks it to opponents, stays undefeated

Author: Allison Ortega

The Panther field hockey team employed strong defense and opportunistic scoring to edge both Skidmore and Wesleyan in individual 1-0 shutout victories last week.

On Wednesday Sept. 20, the team traveled to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. to challenge the undefeated Skidmore Thoroughbreds in a non-conference match-up. While ready to play, the Panthers were frustrated at the start of the game due to the slow turf at Skidmore's Wachenheim Field. As a result, they were unable to get anything going and ended the first half in a 0-0 tie. After a halftime break in which Coach Katherine DeLorenzo's squad discussed strategy, the Panthers were able to score the game's only goal just seven minutes into the second half. Off a penalty corner, Nina Daugherty '08 provided a beautiful feed to Dana Rye '07 and Rye was able to capitalize.

Commenting on her second goal of the season, Rye said, "We had to make some last minute changes on our penalty corners because of Skidmore's slow turf, but adjusted quickly and were obviously successful." Using strong defense, led by Goalie Meg McGillen '07 who stymied all of the Thoroughbreds opportunities and finished the game with seven saves, the Panthers were able to leave with a shutout.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Panthers returned to action at home on Kohn Field taking on Wesleyan in a NESCAC contest. Using crisp passing, the Panthers were able to apply offensive pressure right from the opening whistle. However, the Cardinal's rookie goaltender Breen McDonald was up to the challenge and turned away numerous scoring opportunities. Late in the first half, the Panthers were finally able to breakthrough with a textbook play off of a penalty corner. Emily Read '07 started the play with a quick pass from the corner to Liza Humes '07, who then hit Sophie Thompson '09. After a quick fake, Thompson sent the ball to Reid Berrien '08, who swiftly riffled a shot past McDonald for the one-goal lead. "It was exciting to finally execute our corner perfectly," Thompson remarked about the play.

During the second-half the Panthers continued to swarm as they out-hustled the Cardinals all over the field. However, the Panthers were unable to get another goal past McDonald, who finished the game with 15 saves. In the end, it did not matter as the defense played strong and kept the Cardinals off of the scoreboard. For the second straight game, the Panthers defensive line of Michelle Archambualt '07, Blair Hewes '07, Katherine Entwisle '08 and Taryn Petrelli '09, was dominant, allowing just three defensive corners and seven shots on goal. Goalie McGillen turned in another solid performance in the net.

"The defense was a wall and worked together to get the ball out of our end and up the field to our offense," said McGillen. She turned away all the shots that she faced to earn her second straight and third shutout of the season.

Despite the close score, senior co-captain Archambault was pleased with the team's performance in the victory over Wesleyan. "This was the best that we have played so far this season," she said. "We had some solid connections on the field. Their goalie played very well, but the score is not a true representation of the game," she said.

The Panthers will need another team effort this weekend as they put their perfect record on the line in Maine. First up is an up-and-coming Colby squad and then the Panthers must take on defending NESCAC champion, Bowdoin. The Panthers hope to avenge last season's double-overtime defeat in Brunswick, which ended the Panther's 18-game NESCAC regular season winning streak and cost the team the regular-season NESCAC title.