Field hockey takes down first A-10 opponent

The Saint Joseph’s University field hockey team finished the work week on a high note by shutting out their first conference opponent, Saint Louis University, 2-0 Sept. 15.

Entering this matchup, the Hawks were ranked No. 23 in the NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll, making them the first ranked squad in St. Joe’s program history. It can be assumed that this accomplishment  gave the Hawks the confidence necessary for their Sept. 15 victory and sizable momentum headed into their game against Lock Haven University on Sept. 17.

“There’s more pressure in conference play,” said Head Coach Lynn Farquhar. “Training tries to take care of intensity and the mental aspect of feeling no pressure, but in the back of your mind, conference games are business.”

Junior Anna Willocks, a star forward for the Hawks, echoed Farquhar’s comments.

“We try to keep it the same every game but in the back of your mind it’s a conference game,” she said.

Despite elevated pressure swirling around Ellen Ryan Field, St. Joe’s was able to execute according to the gameplan. However, this didn’t come without some early difficulty.

The Hawks faced a defensive battle in the first period with plenty of missed opportunities on the offensive side. An early shot  that could’ve easily put them on the board unfortunately ricocheted off the right post. The following 15 minutes produced a defensive stand riddled with quality stops from team defenders, led by sophomore goalkeeper Victoria Kammerinke.

In the last five minutes of the half, St. Joe’s displayed more offense than they did in the previous 30. However, they were unable to capitalize. Hawk freshmen Quinn Maguire and Emily Henry demonstrated great chemistry with quality passes in the circle, but were unable to produce results.

In the second period, the Hawks seemed more aggressive in order to take control of the game. However, Farquhar insisted that the game plan didn’t change.

“Our goal was to execute it [the gameplan] and of course, in conference play, you need to perform at your best,” Farquhar said.

Maguire clarified that although the game plan didn’t change, the team did sharpen up their approach.

“At half time we pulled ourselves together and focused on the simple things rather than scoring right away,” Maguire said.

This “keep it simple” strategy seemed to pay off as Willocks and Maguire scored off of assists from each other.

“I tried to get the ball off because she [Maguire] was in a better position,” Willocks said. “She did me the favor also. It was us going after it from the front line.”

The ability of these two players allowed for two goals and a well earned cushion headed into the last five minutes.

The 3-1 victory against Lock Haven University boosted the Hawks conference record to 2-0. Momentum from the previous game against Saint Louis seemed to give players a more aggressive edge.

“Today was more intense,” Henry said. “We came out very feisty with the ability to hold off.”

The Hawks improved in the second period leading to quality results.

After a brief struggle and an unfortunate left foot injury suffered by sophomore Pepa Serrano, freshman forward Jordan Olenginski was able to tie up the game before the half. This goal, along with the assist from sophomore Kathrin Bentz, sparked much needed rhythm heading into the second period.

The first few minutes of the second period were filled with quality passes and clean shots, but no goals. However, it didn’t take long to change. The next 15 minutes yielded two separate goals: one from Henry assisted by Maguire and another self-orchestrated one from freshman midfielder Nicole Kruger.

“Mine [goal] was important but not as important as my teammates’,” Henry said. “My goal boosted us up and allowed for an insurance goal later on.”

The Hawks will look to boost their record to 8-2 when they travel to take on Hofstra University on Sept. 22 and Columbia University on Sept. 24.