WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The East Stroudsburg University field hockey team suffered its first loss of the season in a hard-fought conference opener on Saturday, falling 2-1 in overtime to West Chester.
The matchup against the Golden Rams proved to be a defensive battle. The game was scoreless through the first half before both teams traded goals in the third quarter, ultimately sending the game into overtime where West Chester scored the game-winner.
Notables
Emma Friend scored the lone goal for the Warriors, her fourth of the season.
ESU's goalkeeping duo combined for 10 saves in the contest.
Sydney Pope started the game and made four saves in a scoreless first half.
Jet Vermeulen played the second half and overtime, recording six saves.
The game was evenly matched statistically, with West Chester holding a slight 18-17 edge in total shots and a 12-10 advantage in shots on goal. The Golden Rams also earned seven penalty corners to ESU's five.
How it Happened
After a scoreless first half, West Chester got on the board first at the 34:56 mark when Veerle Hersman scored her sixth goal of the season to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Warriors battled back late in the third quarter. At the 43:52 mark,
Emma Friend found the equalizer, tying the game at 1-1.
Both teams generated chances in a tense fourth quarter, but strong defensive play sent the game into overtime tied 1-1. In the extra period, West Chester's Erin O'Donnell tipped in a shot from Gianna Funari at 66:23 to secure the 2-1 victory for the Golden Rams.
Up Next
The Warriors return home to Whitenight Field for a midweek conference matchup against the No. 2 ranked Kutztown Golden Bears. Game time is set for 3:00 pm.
