After going an undefeated 6-0 in Patriot League play, the American University field hockey team (12-6) faced a tough loss in its semifinal game on Nov. 6 against Boston University (8-10) by a score of 1-0.
The game started with the Eagles having possession of the ball. While there was an attempt at the goal from sophomore midfielder Kendall Varty, the ball went long and to the left.
After the Terriers gained possession of the ball, a penalty corner was called and American senior goalkeeper Pauline Gineste blocked the shot. Gineste blocked another one later in the quarter for a game total of 2 saves.
Within the last five minutes of the quarter, the Eagles attempted 2 more shots at the Boston University goal, missing both and ending the first quarter 0-0.
The second quarter started with American having possession of the ball, but this would not last long. The Terriers were able to steal the ball after another missed shot at the goal from the Eagles and retained possession for the majority of the quarter.
While American picked up their defense towards the end of the second quarter, Boston’s junior midfielder Nicole Lauro snuck in with just a minute left in the quarter, giving Boston a 1-0 lead.
The first half ended with the Eagles having five missed attempts at the goal and the Terriers missing two.
The second half of the game did not get much better for the Eagles. Although they were able to deflect many passes and steal the ball multiple times, they had no success in scoring at the goal.
Freshman forward Ninthe Botman inserted the first of eight total penalty corners for the Eagles. Her shot was blocked by Boston University goalie Sophie Ortyl.
With three minutes left in the third quarter, American sophomore defender Olivia Morraye took two penalty corners, missing both.
The third quarter ended with American having 10 shots and the Terriers having 2.
The fourth quarter was scoreless for both teams. The Eagles and Terriers both played a tough defense, and Morraye took five more corners, though the Eagles were unable to capitalize on any. The team did not have another chance at scoring.
Despite this, the Eagles’ defense did not stop fighting. Boston University junior Bella Bergner took the team’s only penalty corner of the game and missed. American’s defense continued working and prevented Boston from any opportunities to shoot at the goal.
As the horn sounded, indicating the end of the game, the American players and coaches were visibly upset. As the Terriers rushed the field, many of the American field hockey athletes ran to comfort the team’s senior, Gineste, and graduate students Kaleigh Missimer and Agustina Roffo.
Players and coaches were not available for comment postgame. Head coach Steve Jennings took a while to regroup, sitting on the bench by himself for a while before rejoining his team after they left the field.
This article was edited by Connor Sturniolo, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Avery Grossman, Ryan Sieve, Audrey Smith and Ava Stuzin.
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