After a two-game skid for the Hofstra Pride field hockey team, they got back in the win column with a 3-1 victory over Long Island University (LIU) on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Field Hockey Stadium.
Merlijn van der Vegt started in net for the Pride as her counterpart, Rachel Vellis, was in for the Sharks.
The first quarter was head-to-head as the Sharks’ pressure on their backchecks forced the Pride into turnovers, but Hofstra’s defense was able to counteract the LIU’s attack on the net.
After the first several minutes of the second quarter, Cami Valor scored her first goal of the season off an assist by Djuna Slort, giving the Pride a one-goal lead. As time wound down, Hofstra led against LIU 1-0 heading into halftime.
The Sharks received penalty corner opportunities three times in the second quarter. One of them was deflected and two of the opportunities resulted in van der Vegt adding a save for the Pride. Hofstra was unable to capitalize on two of their penalty corner opportunities heading into halftime.
Both teams traded fouls coming out of the half until reigning Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Week Eline Oldeman added her first goal of the afternoon with an assist from Valor, helping the Pride’s lead balloon to two.
The Sharks had three penalty corner opportunities in the third but were unable to find the back of the net. The Pride had two opportunities in the penalty corner but didn’t take advantage heading into the final quarter.
Oldeman opened the scoring in the fourth quarter, notching her second goal of the afternoon and giving the Pride a three-goal advantage. Minutes later, a penalty corner opportunity for the Sharks resulted in Sammy Bell breaking van der Vegt’s shutout.
Van der Vegt had her fourth consecutive game with five saves.
“If you’re out here early enough, the goalkeepers are out here kicking around a soccer ball and catching a good vibe,” said Hofstra head coach Courtney Veinotte.
Despite LIU holding an 11-10 advantage in shots, the Pride held an advantage by putting more shots on net with seven to the Sharks’ six.
Hofstra is now 3-0 against LIU in the battle of Nassau County.
Hofstra field hockey will return to action on Friday, Sept. 17, as they head to Sacred Heart University. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
