Hoya Staff Writer Friday, September 22, 2006 Christina Hsiang/The Hoya

The Georgetown field hockey team made history Wednesday when the Hoyas played in their first-ever Big East game. Though Georgetown went into the game and ready for a new challenge, it was shut out 3-0 by No. 16 Providence. The Friars (8-1, 1-0 Big East) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes on two goals by senior midfielder Jessica Weinstein, both assisted by freshman forward Nellie Poulin. Still, coming off a loss at Longwood, the Hoya (2-5, 0-1 Big East) effort was strong from the start “We came out hard and as soon as the whistle blew we were out there ready to play,” junior defender Lauren Sheets said. “We wanted to come out and prove that we belong in the Big East and I think we definitely did that.” The second half was even better than the first, as Georgetown improved its defense and tallied nine shots. Numerous scoring opportunities arose from the Hoyas’ five penalty corners, but the offense wasn’t able to put one past Friars’ freshman goalie Rachel Chamberlain, who made five saves. Georgetown freshman forward Willemijn Wijsman led the second-half offensive attack with three shots on goal. “At many points in the game we dominated, we just missed on some key opportunities,” Wijsman said. “We took a lot of shots, we just need to find that finishing touch.” Providence is easily the toughest opponent the Hoyas have faced this season. The Friars started the season with a seven-game win streak which included victories over then-No. 8 Michigan and then-No. 18 Northeastern. “Those two games really made us realize that we could play with most anybody,” Providence Head Coach Diane adl said. A late second half goal by Friars’ sophomore forward Meghan Holden on a breakaway put the game out of the Hoyas’ reach. The goal was scored on a turnover after a series of scoring chances for Georgetown were set up by penalty corners taken by Wijsman. Even in a losing effort, the Hoyas were optimistic. Sophomore goalie Deirdre Crovo, who has been splitting time with senior Abby Winer, recorded six saves and kept Georgetown in the game throughout. Freshman midfielder Alice Murnen and sophomore forward Katie Lachman continued their solid seasons, each notching two shots and putting constant pressure on the Providence defense in the second half. “Georgetown was definitely prepared well and fought hard. They showed they are ready for the Big East,” Madl added. The Hoyas also learned where they still need to improve. “We do need to get a few more touches in the circle and get more aggressive at finishing scoring opportunities,” sophomore midfielder Maggie Farrand said. “Being consistent on defense and just pulling it all together are the keys.” With the respectable Georgetown showing comes more excitement about the prospects for the rest of the season. Sheets noted the importance of a close game against a ranked opponent. “For us to play that well in our first Big East game shows that we are ready for this conference,” she said. Georgetown hopes to build on its effort this Saturday against Bucknell. The game is at noon on Kehoe Field.