Momentum is finally starting to shift for the Hofstra field hockey team, as they have won their second straight game, outlasting Quinnipiac University Bobcats 3-2 on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium.
Madison Warfel was sensational, notching two of the Pride’s three total goals. The senior midfielder, who is also on Hofstra’s track and field team, used her speed to control the pace of the entire game for the Pride offense.
Hofstra maintained their poise in spite of a tough stretch during the first half, which the Bobcats concluded leading 1-0. Warfel addressed the locker room during the half with simple, positive and meaningful advice.
“We need to pick it up, we’re in this,” said Warfel. “This is our field, this is our game.”
Going into the second half, Hofstra flipped the script, and the Quinnipiac squad was knocked off their feet. As a result, the Pride went on an impressive scoring run.
Warfel stole the show yet again, equalizing the contest just over three minutes into the third quarter. Hofstra kept up the momentum, and Bobcats goalkeeper Hedda Biermann-Ratjen made some mistakes, including committing a penalty for covering the ball.
Sophomore defenseman Cami Larsson capitalized on the penalty stroke, taking the lead 2-1 for the Pride midway through the 40-minute mark.
Hofstra would not stop there, as the seniors would shine down the stretch of this matchup. Going into the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, Alyssa Kohler dished out a perfect pass to Warfel inside the circle. Warfel capitalized with a goal, giving the Pride a 3-1 lead.
The Bobcats responded with a late goal to make the game 3-2, but they ultimately fell short in their comeback efforts.
Freshman goalkeeper Merlijn van der Vegt was a rock in this game, with 10 total saves on 12 shots on goal. Van der Vegt now has 34 total saves over an impressive four-game stretch.
The team will look to continue to build around the strong starts from Warfel and van der Vegt. Their performances have impressed the locker room and given the team the jump-start they needed.
“To come back from being down 1-0, to battle back at home, it’s a real exciting win,” said Coach Veinotte.
The Pride have now won two straight games, rewriting a sinking narrative. This is an impressive rebound after starting off the season with four consecutive losses.
Next up, Hofstra travels to Providence, Rhode Island to play Bryant University on Friday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
