SU Stumbles, Falls 5-1 at the Hands of Princeton
By: Skyler Wilkes | @swilkes04
CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter
PRINCETON, N.J. – Seventh-ranked Syracuse Field Hockey started the season allowing just two goals, both of which came in the second half. However, No. 17 Princeton didn’t wait that long.
About four and a half minutes into the game, Sammy Popper stepped into a pass and fired it, getting the Tigers on the board first. Later in the quarter, Hannah Davey sent a crosser right in front of the net and Liz Agatucci knocked the ball home.
Shortly into the second, a Princeton shot bounced off the post, and over Brooke Borzymowski, before Ali McCarthy lightly tapped it across the line. Although it wasn’t really the fault of SU’s netminder, the sophomore had officially allowed more goals in one half than in the previous four games combined.
Despite the score, the first 30 minutes were pretty even. The two teams were tied in saves and the Tigers held just a one shot advantage. Princeton’s defense also played a factor. Every time a Syracuse player had the ball, a defender was swarming her. This aggressiveness created a ton of turnovers for the Orange and limited the amount of quality shots taken.
It wasn’t until 10 minutes into the third quarter that SU finally scored. Quirine Comans punched in a nice cross pass from Lana Hamilton for her seventh goal of the season. The ‘Cuse were suddenly back in the match until a gut punch occurred with 30 seconds left in the period. Freshman Jannemijn Deutman committed a foul, giving the Tigers a penalty stroke which Sam Davidson converted easily.
Early in the final frame, Beth Yeager added on to extend the lead even further. Syracuse continued to fight valiantly though, applying pressure on every defensive possession and creating countless scoring opportunities. The Orange attempted 10 shots and had eight short corners, including four in a row. Nonetheless, Princeton netminder Robyn Thompson dominated, stopping eight of the nine total tries on goal.
The ‘Cuse drop to 4-1, but have a quick turnaround. SU is staying in New Jersey to face off against No. 25 Monmouth at noon on Sunday.
