Hofstra University Pride defeated the Rider University Broncs 5-1, on Sept. 17, 2016. Seniors Claudia Marin Samper and Lauren Saltus gave an outstanding performance that marked Hofstra’s third win of the season.
From the moment the Hofstra University team yelled “Pride!” and ran onto the field, the ball was moving rapidly back and forth between Hofstra and Rider. Rider was constantly shooting, but the Pride earned the first goal, thanks to Marin Samper, at the 9:13 mark. It was her fifth goal of the season. Five minutes later a penalty corner at 15:05 turned into Marin Samper and Colby Hussong assisting a goal made by Carissa Witmer, who earned her third goal of the season.
The rest of the period ran smoothly for Hofstra with some few shots from the Broncs. The persistence from Rider was clear as the clock marked half time with 11 shots, seven of them being aimed at the goal and saved by Lauren Saltus. Rider was very persistent, even though their shots were consistently too wide.
The second half did not disappoint Hofstra followers, as Marin Samper struck twice in the first ten minutes of the half. The second goal was assisted by Witmer, her second assist of the season.
And as the pressure was hitting the Broncs they achieved their first goal at 55:07, courtesy of Netherlands native Daane Koch. This goal was her fourth of the season.
Hofstra University has a record of being at their best during the second period of the game, and this time was not the exception. Rider’s best efforts remained fruitless. Saltus, who finished the game with 17 saves, blocked shot after shot from the Broncs. She had the constant support of the defense, blocking a few shots before they had a chance to get to Saltus.
Although Rider University had several opportunities to match the score with eight penalty corners, the Pride dominated the field.
Freshman Lara Bittle landed her first goal of the season and her first as part of the team. “It’s always exciting when someone scores their first collegiate goal, I thought it was a great goal with great composure. Well executed. It was an exciting goal,” said Hofstra head coach, Kathy De Angelis, after the game. Bittle was assisted by Marin Samper at 63:28 and took the shot as Emily Gilliga, Rider’s goalie, left an open net. This granted the Pride their final goal of the game.
The Pride will next take the field Monday, Sept. 19 to take on Lafayette College. The match is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium.
