Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

FIELD HOCKEY | GU Shutout In Weekend Games

The Georgetown Field Hockey team (2-13, 0-5 Big East) was outscored 12-0 this weekend against No. 2 Connecticut (13-2, 5-0 Big East) and Liberty (11-4, 5-0 NorPac). Though the Hoyas were able to control possession for parts of the games, their failure to get shots on goal ultimately sealed their defeats.

On Friday, UConn controlled the majority of the game, but only scored two goals in the first half. Though the Huskies overwhelmed the Hoyas’ defensive zone, the Hoyas remained composed and deflected shot after shot.

“We played really solid defense in the first half,” Head Coach Tiffany Hubbard said. “We were patient and really focusing on fundamentals. We were focusing on that all week at practice and you could really see that.”

Freshmen goalkeeper Rosalie Nolen was credited with 10 saves but faced 31 shots. Georgetown’s defensive line was superb at the start of the first half as it kept the game scoreless for the first 19 minutes of play.

“She had 31 shots against her. She really was facing a relentless attack. I can think of three [goals] that were not her fault at all. We’ve been focusing on her staying confident. She’s only a freshmen and facing a No. 2 team,” Hubbard said.

The Hoyas had trouble offensively and could not capitalize on any of the drives out of their defensive zone. One shot was recorded by Emily Weinberg in the second half. Georgetown came out strong in the second half, but an unfortunate six minutes left the team too far behind for a comeback. At the 41-minute mark, UConn senior forward Elena Marie Bolles scored three consecutive goals. While there were no other goals scored in the game, UConn continued to pressure the Hoyas’ defensive line en route to the 5-0 victory.

“When you give a team like that a window, you pay for it. We lost it for that amount of time and we definitely paid for it. They are a much better skilled team than we are. We can keep up with them, but if we can’t score, not much can be done. When they scored, we got timid and that’s not how it can work,” Hubbard said.

On Saturday, Georgetown played Liberty as the Hoyas completed their home stand. As was the case with the UConn game, both teams were evenly matched in the beginning. Players on each team had opportunities to score, including sophomore forward Sarah Butterfield, who had a breakaway attempt just four minutes into the game. While Butterfield was stopped, the Hoyas still came within inches of scoring multiple times. The Lady Flash notched the first goal of the game 28 minutes into the first half. With ten seconds remaining in the first half, a Liberty penalty corner gave the Lady Flash a 2-0 lead.

Liberty’s freshmen back Serena Barr scored the third goal of the game 12 minutes into the second half, and after that there was no turning back for the Lady Flash. Junior forward Mercedes Cox scored the fourth goal of the game just four minutes later off a drive from the top of the circle. The fifth and sixth goals were scored within one minute of each other. Liberty scored its last goal with less than four minutes to play when sophomore midfielder beat newly substituted Hoya goalkeeper Rachel Skoneckito go up 7-0.

“During the first half of that game, it felt like we really dominated. We just weren’t getting the shots and corners. We had the ball in their zone the whole time. At the end of the day that’s going to be what hurt us. … Our forwards are playing really good defense. It’s best level I’ve seen them play all season, we just can’t seem to finish.”

Georgetown has three games remaining in their season, two of which are against nationally ranked teams. Next weekend the Hoyas take on No. 16 Temple (12-4, 3-2 Big East) and No. 1 Maryland (15-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast).

The Hoyas will play their final game of the season against Villanova on Nov. 2 in College Park, Md.

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