Box Score

Pine Valley, NY -- The Elmira College Field Hockey Team took the field today looking to build on the success they had last week against Anna Maria College, but they fell short losing to Hartwick College 3-2 in overtime. The loss drops Elmira to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the Empire 8, while Hartwick moves to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in the Empire 8.

In the first half, it seemed that Hartwick was in control of the game, dominating in shots and penalty corners, but it was the Soaring Eagles that were able to get on the scoreboard first. Just over ten minutes into the game, Ashley Palmer '16 took a pass on the left side of the goal from Sarah Watts '15 and finished the strike past the goalie, giving Elmira the 1-0 lead. Hartwick was able to put seven of its 10 shots on goal and also took 10 penalty corners, but goalie Lauren Thomas '14 and the Soaring Eagle defense were able to keep the Hawks off the board the entire half. Elmira College took the 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half provided plenty of scoring that was not seen in the first half. Hartwick started the scoring off with a goal in the 60th minute of play when Cassie Jonaitis followed up a rebound off the post and finished with a shot past Thomas. The Soaring Eagles came right back down the field just four minutes later to retake the lead. McKenna Light '14 took a pass off the corner hit from Erin Duffy '14 and ripped a shot from a step inside the circle right at the goal. The shot bounced right over the goalie's outstretched leg and into the back of the goal, making the score 2-1.

The Hawks continued their attacking style of play to try to tie the game and were successful with just over two minutes left in regulation. Jonaitis was able to get her second goal of the game when she redirected a shot taken by Megan Lefeber away from where Thomas was moving. Both teams pressed for the game-winner, but it was Hartwick that was in position to take the last shot until Hartwick Coach, Anna Meyer, called a timeout which she did not have available. After the change of possession, the second half ended with the score tied 2-2.

The overtime period had both teams running up and down the field continuously as they attempted to score the “golden” goal. Elmira had a few good runs at the goal, but was not able to get a shot in the period. With just over a minute left in the first overtime period, Hartwick's Kelsey Kimble carried the ball down the right side of the field and fired a hard shot past Thomas to end the game in a 3-2 Hawks' win.

Hartwick outshot Elmira 28-5 and also held a decisive advantage in penalty corners, 26-3. Thomas was a force in goal, making several spectacular diving saves to keep the game as close as it was; she ended the game with 19 saves. Megan Campbell stopped two shots for the Hawks.

Elmira College will look to rebound on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 when they travel to Utica, NY to take on the Pioneers of Utica College. The game is scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m.