Coming off its first win of the season, the Georgetown field hockey team (1-7, 0-1 Big East) is looking to stay on the winning path. After a tough start to the season, going 0-6 and dropping its first conference game to Providence (4-4, 1-0 Big East) on Friday, the team picked up its first win of the season against Holy Cross (2-4, 0-1 Patriot League) on Sunday. Sophomore midfielders Callie Hiner and Emily Weinberg scored a goal apiece — just a minute apart — in the 2-1 victory over the Crusaders.
Though the Blue and Gray have been outscored 26-6, freshman goalkeeper Rosalie Nolen has saved 51 shots on the season. Against Holy Cross, Nolen allowed only one goal and put up an impressive defensive performance of five saves. After the Crusaders put an early first goal past her 13 minutes into the first half, Nolen remained rock solid until the end of the game.
On the offensive side, sophomore forward Sarah Butterfield leads the team with three goals on the season. She received Big East honors for her contributions and is a driving factor in the team’s brewing success. According to Head Coach Tiffany Hubbard, Butterfield is making strides in her play, which is reflected in her goal-scoring ability.
“We’ve talked to Sarah the past few weeks of breaking out and having an individual presence on the field. We’re confident when the ball is in her hands. I think we’re going to see her break out now that we’re starting to see some of that confidence,” Hubbard said.
The Hoyas have been working toward increasing the chemistry on the field all season, and that was evident in their victory on Sunday. The team is looking to keep the tally on the win side as it takes on Big East opponent No. 19 Louisville (6-2, 1-0 Big East). Georgetown hopes to accomplish the long-awaited task of winning its first conference game on Saturday in College Park, Md.
Louisville had a great past weekend of play, recording two wins against conference opponent Old Dominion (2-6, 0-1 Big East) and Northeastern (3-4, 0-0 CAA). Senior captain Erin Schneidtmillergave the Cardinals a 3-2 overtime victory against the Monarchs and added a goal and an assist in the victory over Northeastern. On Monday, Schneidtmiller received Big East Offensive Player of the Week honors. Teammate junior Alyssa Voelmle leads the team with five goals on the season.
“Louisville is going to be a really tough competitor for us. We’re going to have to play smart and try to contain some of their individual talent and really play together as a unit, particularly on our defensive end,” Hubbard said.
The Cardinals, who have outscored opponents 24-11, are coming into the game on a two-game winning streak. For the first time this season, however, the Hoyas are entering the game following a win as well. The team is determined now more than ever to perform better in the second half of the season.
“We have a great group of girls that is so motivated right now,” Hubbard said. “Every game we’re learning so much about each other and about the team in general. They’re picking up information really quickly. They know the overall goal of what we’re trying to do — we just need to push through to get there.”
With an overall record of just 1-6, Georgetown’s loss column is not representative of its play as of late. Three of its past losses have been by three goals or fewer. If the Blue and Gray can stick to their game plan and create the same chemistry that they did against Holy Cross, a season turn-around could well be within reach. With an accelerating offense and a defensive wall that gets stronger every game, the team is undeniably improving. With their next challenge this Saturday, the Hoyas look forward to making a name for themselves and proving that they can be a serious contender in the Big East.
“Our team is so fiery and really talented,” Hubbard said. “I think there’s a lot of really good potential there.”
