Field hockey grounded Elmira College’s Soaring Eagles this past Saturday with an offensive onslaught, winning 6-3. Junior Kari Plewniak sent a solo shot into the net scoring the first goal five minutes into the game. Less than three minutes later, senior Revay Wilson scored the second goal unassisted, making it two goals within the first eight minutes of the game.
The Yellowjackets continued the pressure, adding one more goal in the first half, scored by Krista Butler and assisted by Mary DiMatteo, both seniors. They maintained control of the ball in the first half for a total of 26 shots and stroked three goals successfully.
Elmira added two goals late in the first half in an attempt to counter the ‘Jackets offense. Both goals were scored by Elmira sophomore Kayla Blank and assisted by freshman Chelsea Jipner.
In the second half, Plewniak went on to sink her second shot of the game, with the help of Butler. Plewniak was the top scorer of the game with a total of two goals coming out of three shots.
DiMatteo, assisted by senior Celinda Fletcher, put the fifth goal on the board. UR netted their sixth goal of the game on a shot by freshman Amanda Case, assisted by DiMatteo. Elmira’s Kayla Blank added one more goal in the second half. UR junior goalie Rachel Cahan redirected four shot attempts and allowed three goals.
With everyone getting in on the action, the Yellowjackets scored a season-high six goals. The last time the field hockey team scored at this scale was at home against Wells College in 2003.
Senior co-captain Heidi Davies commented on Saturday’s victory.
“Saturday’s win was definitely a key win not only for our record, but for our morale,” she said. “We worked really hard in the practices leading up to the game and we were really focused. I think it is a tone which we will carry with us throughout the rest of the season.”
“We finally put it all together this weekend. The intensity started right from the whistle and that’s something we have to bring to every game. We need to play with that kind of hunger in the circle all the time,” Plewniak said.
After playing three games, UR field hockey now has a record of 1-2. They played a tight 1-0 loss against SUNY Cortland in their second game of the season. Cahan played sparkling defense in the goal deflecting 20 shots and allowing only one goal.
The ‘Jackets played their first game of the season at Misericordia College against Kean University on Sept. 1, losing 2-1. Senior Kristy Johnson scored the only goal for Rochester.
Head coach Michelle Andre was optimistic about they way the team played on Saturday after the two early losses.
“Losing two heartbreakers back to back was very emotional for this team but we were able to put it behind us and move on,” Andre said. “That’s a sign of a great team – the ability to adjust and keep each game in focus.”
The Yellowjackets start off the season with many talented new players, adding more strength to a team that made it to the Liberty League playoffs last season for the first time in Rochester history.
Providing experience and anchoring the team are a solid group of nine seniors. This group includes team captains Davies and DiMatteo.
Nine freshman join the team this season – Case, Elizabeth Fletcher, Tara Gelb, Kyra Pinsky, Lara Bucarey, Lindsay Bronnenkant, Ashley Huddleston, Christi Bottcher and Danielle Pearson.
“Our freshmen are very good skillful players,” Andre said. “They make us better and stronger and give us a ton of depth. They are going to be a very good group.”
The team’s next home game is against Utica College this Sunday at 1 p.m.
Levy can be reached atjlevy@campustimes.org.
