The Georgetown field hockey team’s winning streak came to an end on Wednesday, as it was shut out by Stanford, 2-0, marking the Hoyas’ first loss of the season. Georgetown’s record now stands at 8-1.
The defeat came on the heels of good news for the team, being ranked 18th in the nation (tied with Michigan State) in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll. In addition, freshman back Elena Elster was named Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference field hockey Player of the Week.
The match up got off to a rough start for the Hoyas. Stanford scored on two penalty corners, the first at 9:03, and the second less than three minutes later. Christina Williams scored both goals off Erica Swesey’s assists. The Hoyas were on the defensive for the majority of the first half, as the Cardinal took five penalty corners while Georgetown had none.
The Hoyas’ luck did not improve after halftime. Two minutes into the second half, Elster went down with an injury and had to exit the game. During Elster’s rest, the Hoyas managed to draw two penalty corners, but the corner unit was unable to capitalize without Elster.
“Having two key players out [Elster and senior midfielder Caitlin McLean] is always difficult,” Head Coach Laurie Carroll said.
After Elster returned, Georgetown had several scoring opportunities, including one penalty corner, but failed to put the ball in the net. The game was marked by physical play, as three Stanford players received green cards.
Carroll identified senior tri-captain Jessica Walls, junior back Bridgett McConnell and freshman forward Leeanne Rizzo as key players in the game.
“Rizzo created a lot of great opportunities on attack,” Carroll said.
Carroll was pleased with the team’s effort and cited the disparity in the number of penalty corners (Stanford had 12 and Georgetown had three) as the main reason for the Hoyas’ defeat. She said she was disappointed that the team failed to draw penalty corners in the first half.
Elster continues to lead the Hoyas in points (20) on nine goals and two assists, earning her ECAC Player of the Week honors. Prior to the contest with Stanford, Elster had scored in five straight games. Among Division I field hockey players, she is ranked seventh in goals per game (1.29), ninth in points per game (2.86) and 20th in goals (9). Elster is already on the Georgetown all-time record list in single-season goals (tied for 10th) and single-season points (tied for 12th).
Prior to the loss, the Hoyas were the last undefeated team in Division I field hockey. The No. 18 ranking tied Georgetown with ichigan State, and is the first time the Hoyas have been ranked this season.
The Hoyas also ranked in several statistical categories. Before the game against Stanford, they were first in winning percentage (1.000), third in scoring defense (0.76), 13th in scoring offense (2.88) and ninth in margin of victory (2.12).
Audrey Bruggeman was ranked first in assists per game (1.375), and sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Herring was third in save percentage (0.885) and fourth in goals-against average (0.761).
The Hoyas will compete again tomorrow, travelling to Rutgers at 1 p.m.
Related Links
Field Hockey Schedule
Field Hockey Roster