Junior forward Krysten Mayers’ goal in double overtime knocked off nationally-ranked Princeton and sent the Cornell field hockey team to its first victory over the Tigers since 2007.
“I am very happy for the girls,” said head coach Donna Hornibrook. “They worked hard and played a competitive, hard-fought game. They dug deep and managed to connect.”
Currently, Princeton is ranked second in the Ivy League conference and 12th overall, according to NCAA Division I standings. Cornell is ranked two places below in the Ivy League conference and 22 places below overall.
“Yesterday was an important win for the team,” Hornibrook said. “It shows they are continuing to battle, compete and work hard.”
The game started strong for the women. The Red scored two goals within the first 16 minutes of play. Both goals were scored by Mayers and they were assisted by junior forward Katie Carlson and senior midfielder Katy Weeks. Princeton came back to tie up the game 2-2 by the end of the first half.
Both teams fought hard and Cornell managed to score in the 91st minute of second overtime, ending the marathon game.
The contest was evenly matched throughout, according to Hornibrook.
The Tigers had eight shots on goal and four saves during the game. The Red managed seven shots on goal, with six saves.
Cornell’s defensive unit was very solid throughout the game. This is one skill area the women have been working on all season, according to Hornibrook, and their polished defense was on display all game.
“Our backline played really, really well,” Hornibrook said. “[Junior back] Sam McILwrick has been a workhorse all year.”
Hornibrook also commended the steady competitive nature of junior forward Isabel Josephs and senior back Luisa Schulte-Bockums.
“A win against Princeton is great because it has been the team everyone has chased after,” said Hornibrook. “For us to finish strong is a testament to the team’s character.”
One key factor in the win was Mayers’ ability to sneak in goals, according to Hornibrook.
“She has the ability to put numbers up on the board,” Hornibrook said. “She has created opportunities all season long but things are going in for her right now so she is definitely dangerous.”
Despite this victory, the Red has faced adversity throughout the season, losing key players to injury.
“We have had some ups and downs throughout the season,” Hornibrook said.
“Because of injury we have had to deal with putting young talented kids into key roles really early in their career.”
An example of this trend is freshman goalkeeper Maddy Henry. She played the entire game against the Tigers and held her own, according to Hornibrook.
“She played really well, really composed and competitive,” Hornibrook said. “She took advantage of the opportunity and went for it, showing a lot of composure.”
Another freshman who made an impact was back Rose Gorski. She maintained consistent composure, despite her relative inexperience, according to Hornibrook.
Overall, the women were proud of the outcome in addition to their quality of play.
“We are really proud of how the kids played and excited to finish the season strong,” Hornibrook said.
Cornell will take on Dartmouth at home for its final game of the season on Nov. 5 at noon.