It was another tough day for the Hofstra University field hockey team as they dropped their third game in a row to the University of Delaware. Hofstra now sits at 2-6 with a 1-2 conference record.

Delaware’s four goals in the game marked a season high. Rachael Whitehead scored two while Janne Stoetzer and Valentina Martorell both added a one.

The game was all Fightin’ Blue Hens from the get-go. Whitehead, assisted by Stoetzer and Martorell, opened the scoring at the 2:58 mark. Whitehead’s goal was the benefactor of Delaware’s first of four corners during the game, three of which were in the opening frame.

Delaware continued to mount pressure on the Pride, totaling four shot attempts and three corners in the first quarter. Hofstra goaltender Pieke Roos did what she could to keep the Pride in the game, making three saves in the quarter.

Hofstra had a solid defensive second quarter, holding Delaware off the scoresheet for the only time. Neither team attempted a shot, Delaware only coming close when they had a corner opportunity.

The game went out of reach for Hofstra in the second half. Delaware returned to their scoring ways and continued to put pressure on the Pride defense. The Blue Hens notched six shots in the third quarter, only sending one towards the net. The one shot on goal went past Roos though, making it 2-0.

Martorell opened the fourth quarter with a goal to give. Whitehead scored the final Delaware goal on a perfectly executed penalty stroke with eight seconds remaining. Whitehead’s goal marks the first that Roos has allowed on a penalty stroke since playing Sacred Heart on Sept.13.

Tara McNally recorded Hofstra’s first shot attempt of the game with two minutes left to play.

Hofstra looks to break their three-game losing streak against No. 17 University Albany at Cindy Lewis Stadium on Friday, Oct. 4. Gametime is set for 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Joe Orovitz