Field Hockey Runs Into Deep Defensive Wall This Fall

With both of the games ending in frustrating losses by one goal, it looks like the pressure of overtime works against the momentum and optimism that this young team had at the beginning of the season.

Saturday’s game against Washington and Lee was the first game of the season against the Landmark Conference’s top pick last Saturday within 54 seconds into the first overtime period by firing a goal passed junior goalkeeper Marian Cassilly, despite her four saves throughout the game. The offense of the Cardinals simply was not at its peak performance with six combined shots on goal.

The Cardinals’ frustration remained and carried over to their following game on Tuesday when they let another one get away against Mary Washington 14 minutes into overtime on their opponents’ home field. The only shot attempt in the first half of the game from the Cardinals was from sophomore Andrea Baick at the two minute mark. The second half did not look much better, with Mary Washington out-shooting Catholic 5-3. In the overtime period, Mary Washington out-shot the Cardinals 5-0, when they succeeded in making their first and only goal at the four minute mark against Cassilly. However, Cassilly was recorded to have had five saves throughout the game.

On Saturday, September 27th, the Catholic University Field Hockey Cardinals will put their best foot forward and try to redeem and regain their positive attitude at their next away game against Christopher Newport at 1:00 p.m.