No. 5 Syracuse Field Hockey extends perfect record, tops No. 11 Princeton 1-0 in overtime

By Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan

PRINCETON, N.J. — For the second straight game, No. 5 Syracuse field hockey (5-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) went to overtime. And for the second straight game, the Orange came out on top.

The Cuse topped No. 11 Princeton (1-2, 0-0 Ivy) in overtime, securing its fifth straight win and matching the best season start and longest run of ranked wins under head coach Lynn Farquhar. In the 66th minute, Orange freshman Taylor Bigbie powered into the Tigers’ defensive circle and earned a penalty corner. But after a video review, officials upgraded the foul to a penalty stroke; and Bo van Kempen converted for the game-winner, her 11th goal of the season.

SU proved it could score in the first couple of weeks and ranks second in the nation with 24 goals through its first five games. But in this matchup, the Cuse showcased that its defense is just as tough. Syracuse’s press was relentless, and the Orange often double-teamed the ball and swarmed the Tigers with two or three players at a time. This strategy generated turnovers and a few early scoring changes. But despite that pressure, both teams eventually struggled to find the back of the net, sending the game into an extra period.

This battle felt like one of the most even matchups one could draw up. The all-time series now sits at 14-13 in favor of SU, with the Orange taking the last four meetings over the Tigers.

Plenty of questions surrounded the Cuse at the start of the season. With 17 newcomers on the roster — including 13 freshmen — and the graduation of Willemijn Boogert, last season’s leader in assists and second in both goals and total points, uncertainty lingered. But through its opening stretch, Syracuse has silenced the doubters.

The Orange’s road stint isn’t over yet. SU heads to Pennsylvania on Sunday to take on Lafayette, its fourth straight away game to open the season.