The Hofstra University field hockey team traveled to Alumni Turf Field at the University at Albany, where they were shut out 3-0 in their first road game of the season on Friday, Sept. 8. With the loss, the Pride dropped just under .500 with a 2-3 record, while UAlbany improved to .500 with a record of 2-2.

The Great Danes dominated the whole game, beginning their reign of terror with an early goal off a penalty kick after just 3:09 of play. The goal was scored by Floor de Ruiter and was the midfielder’s first of the season.

After a scoreless second quarter, UAlbany picked up the momentum with two goals back-to-back in the third. Freshman Mara Kuskes found the back of the net in the 43rd minute on an assist from Delphine Le Jeune. This was also Kuskes’ first goal of the season.

To top off the 3-0 victory, Allison Smisdom recorded her second goal of the season off an assist by Bianca Orsola and Le Jeune, reaching behind the goalkeeper just over two minutes after Kuskes’ goal at the 44:51 mark.

As for Hofstra’s offense, only two players had any shots on goal for Hofstra: midfielder Tara McNally had two, and forward Samantha Spear recorded one. McNally led the Pride with three shots total on the day. Goalkeeper Hella Vorpagel put down 11 saves in 60 minutes of action.

For UAlbany, de Ruiter and Smisdom each had four shots on goal, with Smisdom leading the team with five shots total. Kuskes also had a strong day with three shots on goal. Goalie Lara Behn did not have the busiest afternoon of her career due to Hofstra’s inability to get any solid attempts on the turf and only recorded three saves.

The Pride will next return home to Hempstead, New York, at the Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium, where they will go head-to-head with the Stonehill College Skyhawks on Sunday, Sept. 10. The game is set for a 1 p.m. start.

Photo courtesy of Alexis Friedman/Hofstra Athletics