UConn still tied with Syracuse atop Big East field hockey standings

As the second half of the season heats up, the Big East competitors have been put to the test. This past weekend, seven games were played between the six teams, resulting in big wins, upsets and tough losses.

The No. 6 Georgetown Hoyas lost both of their games this weekend, rounding out their season with an overall record of 2-12. On Friday, No. 5 Rutgers beat Georgetown 5-1. Although Georgetown’s Annie Wilson scored the first goal of the game, the Hoyas couldn’t hold on to the lead. The Scarlet Knight’s Lisa Patrone had a hat trick, while Alyssa Bull added in two goals. Rutgers outshot Georgetown 23 to 8 and out cornered them 13 to 3. On Sunday, the Hoyas continued their streak losing 3-1 against Cornell. Cornell’s Brittany Thompson scored the first goal a mere 28 seconds into the game giving Cornell the upper hand. Wilson helped Georgetown stay alive, scoring their only goal of the game. Although Georgetown outshot Cornell 11 to 8, the Hoyas weren’t able to convert.

No. 4 Villanova also had a tough weekend, losing both games to bring their season record to 6-8. On Saturday, Villanova’s game against Liberty seemed to be evenly matched. The first half was a back-and-forth battle. Leah High got Villanova’s only goal off a penalty stroke, but the Wildcats couldn’t hold on to win the game. Sunday, the Wildcats were defeated 3-0 by the Richmond Spiders. Rebecca Barry, Kerrie McDonald and Christina Amorose scored goals to help the Spiders to their victory. Richmond’s powerful defense was the key factor in the game, allowing Villanova only one shot on goal the entire second half.

The No. 2 Louisville Cardinals played two games this weekend, losing their first match but coming back to win the second. On Saturday, Louisville lost 2-1 to our own UConn Huskies. Louisa Boddy scored both goals of the game for UConn, making it 10 goals this season. The Cardinal’s Becca Maddock kept Louisville in the game scoring a goal at 49:36. After their defeat earlier in the weekend, Louisville was eager to prove their dominance as a team. On Sunday, the Cardinals defeated Iowa 2-1, breaking their seven-game winning streak. Freshman Victoria Stratton scored her first collegiate goal at 56:36 to break the tie and win the game for the Cardinals.

Syracuse, still tied for the No. 1 spot with UConn, defeated the No. 3 Providence Friars 3-0 Saturday afternoon. The Orange’s goalie, Leanne Stiver, continued her streak of shut-outs with 381 consecutive minutes in the net without a goal being scored on her. Sept. 16 was the last time an opponent managed to squeeze a goal by her. Leonie Geyer, Kelsey Millman and Stephanie Hussey each scored a goal to help Syracuse keep their undefeated season. Syracuse remains UConn’s top competitor for the Big East Championships. In order to shut this powerhouse down, the team will need a ruthless offense and a dedicated defense. With hard work, perseverance and skill, the Orange can be defeated.