Syracuse Beats Louisville on Penalty Stroke in OT
By KJ Vaughn, CitrusTV Field Hockey Reporter
The Syracuse Field Hockey team came into Friday’s matchup looking for another statement win to add to their already impressive resume. The fourth ranked Orange faced the seventh ranked Louisville Cardinals.
Each team lived up to their ranking as the teams finished regulation tied at one. The Cards struck first with just 15 seconds left before halftime on a baseline drive by Minout Mink. SU goalie Regan Spencer stepped out of the cage and paid the price as Minout put the ball past her to go up 1-0.
Just over 10 minutes into the second half, the Orange got the equalizer on a deflection by Graduate student Elaine Carey, off of Liz Sack’s shot. Both teams battled hard, but as the clock ticked down in the second half it appeared overtime might be on the horizon. Sure enough, it was as both teams finished regulation tied at one apiece.
It was in this overtime that the play of the game happened. Just over five minutes into the 15-minute sudden death period, the Cardinals were whistled for a penalty inside the circle and Syracuse was granted a penalty stroke. Orange Back Lies Lagerweij would stand in the circle and go one on one with Louisville goalie Alicia McFerran, who made nine saves on the day. McFerran could not make it ten as Lagerweij went top shelf to put Syracuse up 2-1 and give them a signature victory over a tough opponent. Lagerweij had two shots on goal and her overtime game winner was her lone goal of the contest.
Syracuse moved to 9-1 on the season with the victory. The Orange is back in action this coming Sunday when they travel to Bucknell. Louisville also plays on Sunday as its hosts 18th ranked Iowa at home.
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