An overtime goal from junior midfielder Grace Wilson knocked the AU field hockey team into the Patriot League tournament finals after winning 2-1 against Lafayette University on Nov. 8.
This is the first time the Eagles have advanced to the Patriot League finals since the 2010 season, which was also the last time they won the Patriot League.
The Eagles will play the winner of the Bucknell-Boston University matchup on Nov. 8.
“We were able to get just enough to get it to overtime and then fortunately we were able to get the win,” head coach Steve Jennings said.
Both AU goals came in a manner which the Eagles have thrived in all season: penalty corners.
At the 74:53 mark, the Eagles were awarded a penalty corner which was inserted by junior midfielder Carly Atchison. The insert was hit to senior forward and Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year Shelly Montgomery, who found Wilson. Wilson then scored at the the 75:09 mark, pushing the Eagles into the finals.
“Grace is an inspiration for all of us. She plays with such ferocity and composure,” Jennings said. “She’s been the backbone of our defense and has done so much for our offense as you’ve seen on our attacking corners.”
The Eagles found themselves down 1-0 to the Leopards at 23:49 in the first half when they were awarded a penalty corner. After Montgomery’s initial shot was saved by Leopard keeper Jessica Deutsch, the rebound found senior midfielder Alex McMakin who scored to tie the game at one.
AU was equally adept at stopping Lafayette’s corner, preventing the Leopards from scoring on any of their five corners.
With the exception of their two goals, the Eagle offense was held in check for most of the match, and were outshot 11-5 overall. AU struggled to connect on passes, with shorter passes being deflected or intercepted by a Lafayette defender and longer passes being hit too far ahead of their target. The Eagles did not record a shot until the 24:11 mark in the first half.
Once the game was tied, Lafayette had multiple opportunities score but the Eagle defense and senior goalkeeper Ashley Dalisera kept the Leopards at one goal. Dalisera made a key save when a Lafayette streaked up field on a breakaway chance, one of four saves on the day.
“I thought they played with a lot of energy and heart,” Jennings said about the play of the Leopards. “They are the two-time defending champions and you’re never going to see them go down easily.”
Jennings added that Lafayette’s pressure got the Eagles off their game. The Eagles knew this game would be closer than the last time the Eagles faced the Leopards, which ended in a 4-0 AU victory.
Prior to the game, Montgomery received her award for Patriot League Offensive Play of the Year. Jennings also received the Patriot League Coach of the Year award, the ninth time he has earned the honor.
