Field hockey began Liberty League play last weekend by blanking Hamilton, but falling 1-0 to St. Lawrence. Rochester is now 1-1 in Liberty League play and 4-3 overall for the season.
On Saturday, UR sent the Hamilton Continentals packing with a 2-0 shutout.
The first goal of the game was scored by senior Krista Butler, assisted by freshman Christi Bottcher 18:48 into the game. Butler launched the shot between Hamilton’s goalie and the left goalpost for her second goal of the season.
Hamilton attempted to mount a comeback, but the Rochester defense wouldn’t give in. Junior goalie Rachel Cahan blocked two shots and allowed UR to regain control over the ball.
Freshman Lara Bucarey scored the second goal of the game with 5:32 left on the clock after fighting off a Hamilton defender to maintain possession of the ball. She pushed down the right sideline toward Hamilton’s goal to send the shot into the cage for the final blow. Bucarey’s second goal of the season locked up the first Liberty League win for the field hockey team.
UR outshot Hamilton 13-3 and had seven penalty corners to Hamilton’s two.
UR goalie Cahan picked up her second shutout of the season, making two saves in the game.
“Saturday’s game was a real gut check,” head coach Michelle Andre said. “We knew things weren’t working but we bared down and found a way to win. Good teams have the ability to do that.”
Andre emphasized the focus and determination that led to the second goal of the game. “During the last timeout, the team said they were going to score. Lara had an open field and just came down into the circle and let the goalie charge. As soon as she did, Lara took a quick shot and it paid off,” Andre said. “Lara is very quick with her stick and that helps us a ton in the attacking 25 of the field. She makes things happen.”
The central components to Saturday’s win were “heart and desire, two things this team has always had. It’s a great thing,” Andre said.
On Friday, the Yellowjackets lost 1-0 in a well-fought battle with the St. Lawrence University Saints.
Rochester controlled play in the first half but failed to put one in the net. The only goal of the game was scored by St. Lawrence on a scramble at the right post with 4:42 left on the clock in the second half.
The Jackets outshot the Saints 9-6 and also held the advantage in penalty corners 11-5. In goal, Cahan made four saves and let one get by.
Much of the team’s success this season can be attributed to their strong bond, according to Butler.
“The energy we have is a huge asset to our determination, we all like to have fun, we all love to play hockey, and we aren’t just teammates, we are best friends,” she said. “When we are out on the field we never let anything get in the way of each other and we never want to let each other down, we are always behind each other 110 percent.”
Field hockey goes head to head with Hartwick College at home this Saturday at 4 p.m.
Levy can be reached at jlevy@campustimes.org.
