After beating Widener University to advance to the semifinals in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey playoffs, the Yellowjacktes took to the road again to play the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays at Montclair State College in New Jersey. The ‘Jackets fought hard, but were shutout by Hopkins 2-0. Despite losing to the Jays, UR’s win against Widener in ECAC play gives the ‘Jackets a UR single season record for wins, finishing the season off with a record of 13-7.
The match was evenly played by both teams up until nine seconds before the first half was over, when the Jays scored their first goal of the game. The Blue Jays scored the second goal of the game at 63:28. Both came off the stick of sophomore Emily Miller and were assisted by freshman Gabi Henn.
Both teams were equal in shots with 13 a piece. Rochester claimed the advantage in penalty corners, leading Johns Hopkins 8-5. UR junior goalie Rachel Cahan made seven saves and allowed two goals in defense of her cage. Junior Alicia Citro had chipped in with a defensive save.
“Against Widener we played brilliantly. We had a short lapse but overcame it. We did everything right that game. It was a total team victory,” head coach Michelle Andre said about the team’s performance in the ECACs. “Hopkins was a tougher opponent. We had great moments and played with a lot of heart. It just wasn’t meant to be that day.”
“Johns Hopkins is a tough team. They have a great program, but we were able to hold them,” senior Ellen Coughlin said. “It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but it was a step for our program. The score of the game really doesn’t show how close the game was.”
The team has taken a huge step forward, according to Andre.
“This is a great thing for the program. A standard has been set. We are also a team that is now on the national radar,” she said. “We are playing at a national level and can compete and beat the best teams in the country. Things are only going to get better for this program.”
This closes out a superb field hockey season and career for the nine seniors on the team. Over their four years here at UR, the seniors have helped lead the field hockey team to a winning record of 41-35, their first ever appearance in the Liberty League playoffs last season and a trip to the ECAC playoffs this year.
Senior Michelle Gilchrist reflected on her time with the team and the season.
“I’ve played field hockey for 10 years, it’s the end of the era. It was a good season, especially as a senior,” she said.
The team’s success this year has shown how far the field hockey program here at UR has progressed in recent years.
“Making the ECAC tournament was a very positive step for the program and something that our team is very proud of,” senior Revay Wilson said.
“Not only did ECACs allow us to break the school record of wins in a season, but also to make a statement,” senior Heidi Davies said. “I think that I speak on behalf of the team when I say that our 2006 team was truly unique and irreplaceable. This program has come so far since my freshman year, and I know that this team is destined for great things in the future.”
Coach Andre summed up how important this season, and these seniors, are to the program.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means. I am so proud of them and I wanted them to have a great experience and compete the way they have competed. The senior class is a huge part of that. They built this program to what it is today. They are my first recruiting class, so it is important that they are the ones responsible for the success of this team. I just made the drills,” said Andre.
Levy is a member of the class of 2008.
