Weaver’s rebound lifts SU to 3-2 win over Northeastern for second win of weekend
By Josh Rothert
Some players know exactly when to make their presence known in a tight game in the second half. For ninth-ranked Syracuse (2-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) field hockey, that player is forward Jovie Weaver. For the second time this weekend, the freshman delivered the game-winning goal to outlast Northeastern 3-2 in Boston.
On a set play off a penalty corner with a little over three minutes left in the third quarter, Orange forward Hattie Madden rifled a shot off the left post. The ricochet dropped right in the lap of Weaver, who pounced towards the ball and slapped it past the outstretched dive attempt from Huskies goalkeeper Ibby Welldon.
The goal marked the second score for the Orange in 47 seconds. Just prior, forward Aubrey Turner swam past the Huskies defense on the far side, approached the goal and chopped a pass that found Madden on the near side, who jammed one in from right in front of the net.
SU’s quick spurt came in response to a two-goal run mustered by Northeastern in the middle part of the third quarter. Mirroring Friday’s match versus Fairfield, head coach Lynn Farqhuar opted for a goalie change out of the halftime break. Starter Jessie Eiselin made two saves in the first half, before ceding her spot to Tane King.
King received a quick barrage from Northeastern upon entering. A brilliant cross by Huskies forward Maggie Lundy found midfielder Alex Mega in stride to notch an equalizer. Just a few minutes later, a hard SU defensive challenge in the circle resulted in a penalty stroke for Northeastern.
Huskies back Camille Armaganian lifted the ball a few feet off the ground and to the right of goalkeeper Tane King for a successful stroke to give Northeastern its first lead.
After falling behind to end the third, Northeastern pressed forward and made Syracuse defend its goal to the maximum in the final frame.
King saved three shots in the fourth quarter and led SU’s back line to nine successful penalty corner defenses in nine attempts to keep the Huskies off the board for the final 23 minutes of play.
‘Cuse forward Taylor Bigbie scored her first career goal in the first quarter to open the scoring. Madden and Weaver tallied the other scores for the Orange. Madden also joined teammates Ally Snyder and Aubrey Turner in recording assists.
The Orange have erased a deficit in both games to begin play this season.
SU used a balance attack to outshoot Northeastern 20-13, including an 11-8 advantage on target. The Huskies’ blitz in the fourth quarter gave the host team a 12-9 win in the corners department, including a run of nine straight to end play.
Syracuse (2-0) turns its sight to a Friday showdown against Ohio State in Piscataway, N.J. for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at 3:00. Live coverage of the game can be found on X @joshrothert and @CitrusTVSports.
