Field hockey seeks .500 record, win against Penn

The Columbia field hockey team will be looking to even its overall and conference records this weekend when it faces Ivy foe Penn. The Lions (5-6, 1-2 Ivy) will have to be on their game, as they have dropped three of their last four meetings with the Quakers (4-9, 1-2 Ivy).

Columbia is coming off a 4-2 loss to nonconference opponent Hofstra. After trailing 3-0 less than 20 minutes into the game, the Light Blue tried to rally with two goals by freshmen Gabby Kozlowski and Katie DeSandis. However, the Lions were not able to make the comeback, snapping their two-game win streak.

When asked about the performance of the freshmen so far this season, head coach Jana Woolley had only good things to say.

“They are consistent, they work hard, and they are continuing to get better and better each week,” Woolley said in an e-mail. “We are very happy with how they are developing and are excited for the future of the program.”

Even though the Light Blue lost, it still outshot the Pride 17-10 and held a 11-7 advantage in penalty corners.

“It is very frustrating to outshoot and out-corner your opponent and come up short,” Woolley said. “We did a good job in creating opportunities to win the game—we just were unable to finish. That is something that we know we need to get better at for the last six games. It comes down to us having better composure in the scoring circle.”

Penn is also coming off a loss, as it fell 4-1 to No. 12 Drexel on Wednesday. The Quakers’ only goal came off the stick of senior midfielder Kelsey Tahan. She was one of only five players that tallied a shot in the contest, as Penn was outshot 21-6.

Quaker goalkeeper Kieran Sweeney put on an impressive performance despite the loss, making 13 saves in a complete-game effort.

Leading the Quaker offense so far this season with 11 points is junior attacker Laurel McGarvie. McGarvie has five goals, an assist, and 15 shots on the season so far.

Another key component of Penn’s offense is freshman midfielder Sarah Hasson, who has 10 points, five goals, and 10 shots on the season. Hasson has garnered Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors twice this season for her stellar play.

If the Lions want to win this weekend, it is crucial that they not only hold off the Quaker offense, but that they also improve their offensive attack.

“We need to have more composure with our scoring chances and we need to make more of an effort to break up the play in the midfield, between the 25s,” Woolley said.

The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia Field Hockey Venue.