Despite a strong all-around performance, the field hockey team was doomed by an early goal, losing to Syracuse 1-0 last night. Cornell held Syracuse to just six shots and only one in the second half, controlling possession throughout the majority of the game. However, the Red could not find the back of the cage, as the team was shut out for the second time this season. The loss drops the Red to 9-6, 4-2 Ivy, while the Orange improves to 10-8, 3-2 Big East.
The Red put forth a very strong performance on both ends of the field against a Syracuse squad that has kept pace with and beaten top-15 ranked teams this year, and which holds a 24-1-1 career record against Cornell.
Syracuse got what proved to be the game winning goal just 7:49 into the match, when senior forward Paige Sullivan registered her team leading 12th goal of the season. Cornell lost possession of the ball around the 50-yard line, as Syracuse began its counter attack. Junior Ashley Fry took the ball into the circle and found Sullivan for the game’s lone tally.
“We had one breakdown defensively, but other than that, played very well,” said Cornell head coach Donna Hornibrook. “From about the 15th minute and on, we carried play for the rest of the game.”
While Cornell controlled possession in Syracuse’s territory for much of the game and consistently put pressure on their defensive unit, the Red could not muster enough shots on goal. Despite being awarded four penalty corners, Cornell got off just five shots.
“We couldn’t execute on penalty corners. We had the opportunities, but couldn’t capitalize on them,” Hornibrook said. “I feel like we need to get better in one-on-one situations and get more aggressive in the circle.”
Defensively, the Red consistently put pressure on the Orange, forcing them to hit a lot of their balls out of bounds. Additionally, the Red’s backfield posted a solid effort, defending and keeping the ball out of its zone.
In goal, freshmen Shannon Prescott got the nod for her third career start and made four saves.
“This was a good overall team performance. We had lots more energy and played better than we had in a long time,” Hornibrook said.
Archived article by Jon Hausner
Sun Staff Writer