William & Mary field hockey takes win in shootout

A late game-tying goal by Eline Oldeman wasn’t enough as the William and Mary Tribe edged the Hofstra field hockey team 3-2 in a shootout at Busch Field on Friday, Oct. 1. It was the first day for Colonial Athletic Association play.

Mercedes Currie broke the ice for scoring for the night notching her fifth goal of the season. She was assisted by freshman Simryn Desai helping to give the Pride a one-goal advantage.

Hofstra’s lead didn’t last long as Lauren Curran pulled the Tribe even with the Pride at one apiece. She was assisted by Jayden Moon. 

The defense was stellar throughout the rest of the first half as it ended with both teams tied at one.

Pride goaltender Merlijn van der Vegt had three saves in the first half helping the Pride stay tied with the Tribe.

Heading into the half, William and Mary led in penalty corners with six opportunities while the Pride had two chances.

Despite the Tribe having two penalty corner opportunities in the third quarter, van der Vegt’s saves and the Pride's defense kept the game tied at one.

The fourth quarter began with Kellen Richbourg giving the Tribe a one-goal lead off an assist by Cara Menges.

William and Mary’s lead was temporary as Oldeman brought Hofstra even with her fourth goal of the season. The score remained at two as time dwindled in regulation.

After two overtime quarters, the game went into a shootout. Both teams had opportunities until Pyper Friedman found the back of the net against van der Vegt for the game-winning goal, edging the Tribe over the Pride.

Desai led with two assists on the night while van der Vegt added five saves. She currently has 195 total career saves.

The Pride looks to Sunday, Oct. 3, for their first conference win against James Madison University. Game time is at 1:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Adam Flash/The Hofstra Chronicle